(1) It any accident occurs ill connection with the generation, transmission, supply or use of energy in or in connection with, any part of the electric supply-lines or other works of any person and the accident results or is likely to have resulted in loss of human or life or in any injury to a human being or an animal, such person shall give notice of the occurrence and of any such loss or injury actually caused by the accident, in such form and within such time as may be prescribed to the Electrical Inspector and to such other authorities as the appropriate Government may by general or special order, direct.
(2) The appropriate Government may, if it thinks fit, require any Electrical Inspector, or any other competent person appointed by it in this behalf, to inquire and report-
(a) As to the cause of any accident affecting the safety of the public, which may have been occasioned by or ill connection with, the generation, transmission. supply or use of energy, or
(b) As to the manner in, and extent to, which the provisions of this Act or of’ any person, have been compiled with.
(3) Every Electrical Inspector or other person holding an inquiry under sub-section (2) shall have all the powers of a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), for the purpose of enforcing the attendance of witnesses and compelling the production of documents and material objects, and every person required by the Electrical Inspector or such other person as aforesaid to furnish any information shall be deemed to be legally bound to do so within the meaning of Section 176 of’ the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).