(1) The Commission shall exercise the following powers and perform the following functions, namely:-
(i) to investigate and examine the working of various safeguards provided in the Constitution of India or under any other law for the time being in force or under any order of the Government for the welfare and protection of the Scheduled Castes;
HARYANA GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA.), NOV. 30, 2018 (AGHN. 9, 1940 SAKA) 311
(ii) to inquire into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguard of the Scheduled Castes and to take up such matter with the appropriate authorities;
(iii) to participate and advise on the planning process of socio-economic development of the Scheduled Castes and to evaluate the progress of their development;
(iv) to make recommendations as to the measures to be taken by the Government for the effective implementation of safeguards and other measures for the protection, welfare and socio-economic development of the Scheduled Castes and to make report to the Government annually and at such other time, as the Commission deems fit;
(v) to discharge such other functions in relation to the protection, welfare, development and advancement of the Scheduled Castes, as may be prescribed.
(2) The Commission shall, while performing its functions under sub-section (1), have all the powers of a civil court trying a suit and in particular, in respect of the following matters, namely:-
(i) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person from any part of India and examining him on oath;
(ii) requiring the discovery and production of any document;
(iii) receiving evidence on affidavits;
(iv) requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or office;
(v) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses and documents; and
(vi) any other matter which is or may be prescribed.