Power of the Tribunal to summon and examine witnesses to direct production of documents and to appoint an assessor.

(1) The Tribunal shall, for the purpose of conducting an inquiry under this Act, have the powers of a civil court while trying a suit, under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Central Act 5 of 1908), in respect of the following matters, namely:- (i) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person; (ii) requiring the discovery and production of any document; and (iii) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents. (2) The Tribunal may examine on oath any person supposed to be acquainted with the matter under inquiry or any fact relevant thereto, and may record his evidence. (3) Every person who is examined under sub-section (1) shall be bound to answer truly all questions relating to the matter put to him by the Tribunal. (4) Any person who wilfully or without reasonable excuse disobeys any summons or order issued under the foregoing sub-sections shall be liable to the penalties laid down for the disobedience of the summons or order issued by a civil court. (5) The Tribunal may, if it so thinks fit, appoint any person as assessor to assist it in conducting an enquiry into any case or cases referred to it.