Procedure in inquiries

(1) An inquiry under section 13 or section 16 may be held by a committee consisting of three members of the Council elected for the purpose by the Council. The Council or the committee, as the case may be, may at its discretion hold such inquiry in camera. When the inquiry is held by a committee, it shall make a report to the Council which shall pass orders under section 13 or section 16, as the case may be. (2) For the purpose of any such inquiry or of any appeal under section 16, the Council or any committee thereof elected as aforesaid shall be deemed to be a court within the meaning of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872; and shall exercise all the powers of a Commissioner appointed under the Public Servants (Inquiries) Act, 1860; and such inquiries and appeals shall be conducted, as far as may be, in accordance with the provisions of section 5 and sections 8 to 20 of the said Public Servants (Inquiries) Act, 1860.