(1) On receipt of an application under section 16C, the Commissioner may make an inquiry into the matter covered by the application.
1. Certain words and figures omitted by Act 34 of 1960, s. 5 (w.e.f. 21-11- 1960).
2. Ins. by Act 58 of 1981, s. 8 (w.e.f. 26-1-1982).
13
(2) In determining the amount of compensation payable under section 16A, the Commissioner may, subject to any rules that may be made in this behalf, follow such summary procedure as he thinks fit.
(3) The Commissioner shall have all the powers of 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 person and examining him on oath;
(b) requiring the discovery and production of any document;
(c) receiving evidence on affidavits;
(d) requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or office;
(e) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents;
(f) any other matter which may be prescribed.
(4) Subject to any rules that may be made in this behalf, the commissioner may, for the purpose of determining any claim or compensation, choose one or more persons possessing special knowledge of any matter relevant to the inquiry to assist him in holding the inquiry.