Formal and summary inquiry to be deemed judicial proceedings and to be conducted openly.

In a formal or summary inquiry provided in this Act the proceedings by a competent officer shall be deemed to be judicial proceedings for purposes of sections 183, 198 and 210 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and his office shall be deemed to be a Civil Court.

Every act and decision in a formal or summary inquiry shall be in public, and the parties to the case or their authorised agents, shall be duly given an opportunity for attendance.