(1) The Ombudsman may, according to the provisions of this Act, enquire into any complaint filed before it under this Act.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act the State Government may refer any allegation of corruption or maladministration against a Village Council or a public servant which is within its knowledge or brought to its notice, to the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman shall enquire into it as if it was a complaint filed under this Act.
(3) The Ombudsman may, on receipt of a complaint, conduct an investigation in the matter and where there is prima facie case it may conduct a detailed enquiry.
(4) The Ombudsman shall not enquire into matters relating to, -
(a) any matter in respect of which a formal and public enquiry has been ordered by State Government;
(b) any matter in respect of which an enquiry has been ordered under the Commission of Inquiries Act, 1952 (Central Act 60 of 1952) or any matter pending before a court;
(c) any complaint filed after the expiry of three years from the date on which the matter complained against has taken place:
Provided that the Ombudsman may entertain such complaint if the complainant satisfies that he had sufficient reason for not filing the complaint within the specified period.