(1) The Dispute Redressal Authority, on receiving the reference of disputes between the parties, shall immediately issue notice to the parties to dispute and instruct them to appear before it in person or through duly authorized representative on a specified date, time and venue.
(2) For the purpose of these rules, the Dispute Redressal Authority shall have the same powers as are vested in a civil court under Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), in respect of the following matters, namely:—
(i) summarising and enforcing the attendance of any defendant or witness and examining the witness on oath;
(ii) the discovery and production of any document or other material object producible as evidence;
(iii) the reception of evidence on affidavits;
(iv) issuing of any commission for the examination of any witness;
(v) any other matter which may be specified by the Government.
(3) Every dispute shall be heard as expeditiously as possible and endeavour shall be made to decide the same within a period of six months from the date of receipt of notice by opposite party.
(4) The Dispute Redressal Authority shall not hear any reference made after expiry of 180 days from arising of dispute.