Power and functions of Appellate Authority and procedure before it

15.

1. (1) The Appellate Authority shall, for the purposes of its functions under this Act, have the same powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 in respect of the following matters, namely:-
   • (i) Summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath;
   • (ii) Discovery and production of any document or other material object producible as evidence;
   • (iii) Receiving evidence on affidavits;
   • (iv) Requisitioning of any public record;
   • (v) Issuing commission for the examination of witnesses;
   • (vi) Such other matter which may be prescribed.
2. (2) The Appellate Authority shall not be bound by the procedure laid down in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 but shall be guided by the principles of natural justice and subject to the other provisions of this Act and of any rules made there under, the Authority shall have the power to regulate its own procedure.
3. (3) The Appellate Authority shall monitor the implementation of this Act on a regular basis.
4. (4) Without prejudice to the provisions contained in sub-section (3), the functions of the Authority shall, amongst other things, include the following, namely:-
   • (a) monitoring the publication of services to be delivered and adherence to the time schedule, manner of delivery and quality of such services notified by the Government;
   • (b) redressal of the public grievances with regard to the non-availability of public service in electronic mode and/or any deficiency in electronic service delivery;
   • (c) recommend changes in the procedure for delivery of public service which shall make the delivery more transparent, efficient and friendly: Provided that before making such recommendation, the Authority shall consult the Administrative Secretary of the Department which is to deliver the public service;
   • (d) to seek feedback/response from the citizens about their experience in availing the services from the public authority and review the same;
   • (e) hear and decide the revision with regard to default and/or delay in delivery of public service filed before it;
   • (f) notice of failure to deliver public service in accordance with this Act and refer such cases to public authority for disposal as it may deem appropriate; and
   • (g) performing any other function as may be prescribed.