(1) The Commission may hold sittings for investigation in to matters relating to safeguards, protection, Welfare and development of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes or for inquiring into specific complaints, for which the Commission decided to take up investigation or inquiry directly. Such sittings may be held either at the Headquarters of the Commission or at any other place within the State.
(2) The sittings of the Commission shall be held after giving due notice to the parties intended to be heard and also due publicity notice to the general public, if required. Care shall be taken to see that the members of the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes who are affected in the matter under investigation or inquiry are given due information through notice or publicity, as the case may be.
(3) When a decision for direct investigation or inquiry is taken necessary staff may be attached to the Member(s) entrusted with such investigation or inquiry and they shall take all steps to arrange such sittings.
(4) During the course of the investigation or inquiry the Commission, may take evidence on oath or receive affidavits. When considered necessary, the Commission, for the purpose of taking evidence in the investigation or inquiry, require the presence of any person and may issue summons to him.
Page 6 of 15 The summons shall provide at least seven days notice to the person directed to be present before the Commission from the date of receipt of the summons.
(5) Where the property, service or employment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and other related matters are under immediate threat and prompt attention of the Commission is required, the matter shall be taken cognizance by issue of telex or fax or E-mail to the concerned authority for making it known to them that the Commission has taken up the issue, Urgent reply by telegram or fax or e-mail shall be called from the concerned authority. In case no letter is received within a week, the authority concerned shall be summoned at a short notice for enquiry.
(6) After holding the required sittings, the Member(s) who conducted the investigation shall make a report which shall be sent to the Member Secretary or any other officer authorised to receive the report. After exarnination, action may be initiated on the report With the approval of the Chairperson. Notice of collecting facts evidence, Notice of Hearing and Public Notice are provided in form I, Il and Ill respectively.