Powers of the Adjudicating Officer and the Appellate Authority for conducting enquiry under this Act

Powers of the Adjudicating Officer and the Appellate Authority for conducting enquiry under this Act.—

1. (1) For the purpose of inquiry under this Act, the Adjudicating Officer and the Appellate Authority shall have the same powers vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Central Act 5 of 1908), while trying a civil suit, in respect of the following matters, namely:—
   • (a) to summon any person and examine him on oath;
   • (b) to require the discovery and production of any document;
   • (c) to receive evidence on affidavit;
   • (d) to requisition any public records or copy thereof from any court or office, and
   • (e) to examine witnesses and inspect documents.
2. (2) The powers exercised by the Adjudicating Officer or the Appellate Authority as per this Act shall be deemed to be equal to civil court and be subjected to the provisions of sections 345 and 346 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. (Central Act 2 of 1974)