Procedure and powers of authorities in deciding applications under section 20

(1) An application under section 20 shall be deemed be proceedings within the meaning of section 141 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Central Act No. 05 of 1908) and in the trial thereof, the authorities empowered to decide a reference may exercise the powers of a civil court. (2) The scope of inquiry shall be restricted to the consideration of the matter referred to the State Government or such other officer as the State Government may authorize in this behalf.