(1) The
State Government may order an inquiry to be held by any officer
appointed by it in this behalf into any matters concerning the
municipal administration of any Municipality or any matters with
respect to which its sanction, approval or consent is required under
this Act.
(2) The officer holding such inquiry shall, for the purpose
thereof, have the powers which are vested in a court under the
Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Central Act No. 5 of 1908) in
respect of the following matters:-
(a) discovery and inspection,
(b) enforcing the attendance of witnesses and
requiring the deposits of their expenses,
(c) compelling the production of documents,
(d) examining witnesses on oath,
(e) granting adjournments,
(f) reception of evidence taken on affidavit, and
(g) issuing commission for the examination of
witnesses,
and may summon and examine suo motu any person whose evidence
appears to him to be material and shall be deemed to be a civil court
within the meaning of section 195 and Chapter XXVI of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Central Act No. 2 of 1974).
Explanation.- For the purpose of enforcing the attendance
of witnesses the local limits of such officer's jurisdiction shall be
the limits of the State.
(3) The reasonable expenses incurred by any person in
attending to give evidence may be allowed by the officer holding
the inquiry to such person and shall be deemed to be part of the
costs.
(4) Costs shall be in the discretion of the State Government
which shall have full power to determine by and to whom and to
what extent such costs are to be paid, and to allow interest on costs
at a rate not exceeding fifteen percent per annum, and such costs
and interest shall be recoverable as an arrear of land revenue.
advertisement