Powers of the Ombudsman

(1) The Ombudsman shall, for the purpose of any investigation or enquiry under this Act, have the same powers as are vested in a Civil Court while trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Central Act V of 1908) in respect of the following matters, namely: (a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any witness and examining him; (b) making the discovery and production of any document; (c) receiving evidence on affidavits; (d) requisitioning any public records, or copy thereof from any Court or office; (e) issuing commissions for the examination of witness; (f) such other powers as are prescribed. (2) Where the Ombudsman finds that the allegation contained in a complaint is false or malicious or vexatious may by order direct the complainant to pay to the opposite party an amount specified in the order by way of penalty. (3) Where the allegation contained in a complaint is about the loss or misappropriation of the fund of the municipality or in respect of the loss or inconvenience caused to a citizen, the Ombudsman may, during inquiry, assess the loss and direct that the same be amount be realised from the person responsible. (4) If the amount to be paid as per the order passed by the Ombudsman under sub-section (2) or sub-section (3) is not paid within the period specified therein the same shall be recoverable by revenue recovery proceedings as if it were an arrear of land revenue.