Investigation

(1) The Ombudsman may initiate an investigation on its own motion into any complaint filed before it under this Act. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the Ombudsman may refer any allegation of corruption or maladministration against a municipality or a public servant who is within its jurisdiction or brought to its notice of the concerned authorities to deal with it as if it was a complaint filed under this Act. (3) The Ombudsman may, on receipt of a complaint, conduct an investigation in the matter and where there is a prima facie case it may proceed for enquiry. (4) The Ombudsman shall not enquire into any matter relating to: (a) any matter in respect of which a formal and public enquiry has been ordered by Government; (b) any matter in respect of which a remedy is available from Tribunals for municipality; (c) any matter in respect of which an enquiry has been ordered under the Commission of Inquiries Act, 1952 (Central Act 60 of 1952) or any matter pending before a court; (d) any matter after the expiry of three years from the date on which the matter complained against has taken place: Provided that the Ombudsman may entertain such complaint if the complainant satisfies that he had sufficient reason for not filing the complaint within the specified period.