Provided that it shall be open to the prescribed authority to direct any party to appear in person whenever the prescribed authority considers it necessary.

Powers of the prescribed authority The prescribed authority shall have the powers which are vested in a Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act No. V of 1908), when trying a suit in respect of the following matters:—

1. (a) discovery and inspection;
2. (b) enforcing the attendance of witnesses and requiring the deposit of their expenses;
3. (c) examining witnesses on oath;
4. (d) reception of evidence taken on affidavit; and
5. (e) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses: and may summon and examine suo motu any person whose evidence appears to it to be material; and shall be deemed to be a Civil Court within the meaning of sections 480 and 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act No. V of 1898).