(1) The Ombudsman shall, for the purpose of any investigation or enquiry under this Act, have the same powers as are vested in a Civil Court while trying a suit under the [Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908)] in respect of the following matters, namely :––
(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any witness and examining him ;
(b) requiring the discovery and production of any document ;
(c) receiving evidence on affidavits ;
(d) requisitioning any public records, or copy thereof, from any court or office ;
(e) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses ; and
(f) such other powers as are prescribed.
(2) Where the Ombudsman finds that the allegation contained in a complaint is without any substance or trivial in nature, he may by order direct the complainant to pay to the opposite party an amount specified in the order by way of costs.
(3) Where the allegation contained in a complaint is about the loss or waste or misapplication of the fund of Panchayat or in respect of the loss or inconvenience caused to a citizen, the Ombudsman may, during enquiry, collect evidence, determine the loss and direct in its order the amount to be realized from the person responsible.
(4) If the amount paid as per the order passed by the Ombudsman under sub-section (2) or sub-section (3) is not paid within the period specified, it, shall be recovered as arrears of land revenue.