Chapter IV POWERS AND PROCEDURE OF CONSOLIDATION OFFICERS

For the purpose of preparing or enforcing any scheme or otherwise, for carrying out the objects of this Act, a Consolidation Officer or any person duly authorised by him may, after giving such notice as may be prescribed, to the owner or occupier or other person interested in any land, enter upon and survey such land or erect survey marks thereon and demarcate the boundaries thereof and do all other acts necessary for such purpose.

(1) The Consolidation Officer shall have power to summon any person whose attendance he considers necessary, either to be examined as a party or to give evidence as a witness, or to produce documents for the purpose of any inquiry connected with the preparation of enforcement of any scheme under this Act. (2) All persons so summoned shall be bound,— (a) to attend, either in person or by and authorised agent, as the Consolidation Officer may direct in the summons; (b) to state the truth upon any subject respecting which they are examined or make statements; and (c) to produce such documents and other things as may be required by the Consolidation Officer in connection with the inquiry.

(1) Every summons shall be in writing in duplicate, and shall state the purpose for which it is issued, and shall be signed by the Consolidation Officer issuing it, and if he has a seal, shall also bear his seal. (2) Such summons shall be served by tendering or delivering a copy of it to the person summoned or, if he cannot be found, by affixing a copy of it to some conspicuous part of his usual residence. If his usual residence is in another district, the summons may be sent by post to the Collector of that district, who shall cause it to be served as aforesaid.

The Consolidation Officer shall have power to impose a fine not exceeding twenty-five rupees on any person who, without sufficient cause, fails to comply with the directions given in the summons issued by him: Provided that, no fine shall be imposed under this section unless such person was summoned to attend or produce any documents within the limits of the village in which such person ordinarily resides or holds or cultivates land. Such fine shall be recoverable as an arrear of land revenue.