Powers of commissioners
Full Text
Any commissioner appointed under this Order may, unless otherwise directed by the order of appointment,—
(a) examine the parties themselves and any witness whom they or any of them may produce, and any other person whom the Commissioner thinks proper to call upon to give evidence in the matter referred to him;
(b) call for and examine documents and other things relevant to the subject of inquiry;
(c) at any reasonable time enter upon or into any land or building mentioned in the order.
Plain English Summary
Delineates wide statutory powers of court commissioners, including examining parties and witnesses, calling for relevant documents, and exercising the right of peaceful entry onto disputed land or buildings at reasonable hours.
Key Legal Elements
- Examination Powers: Parties, party witnesses, or any material person having knowledge.
- Document Production: Requisitioning papers, maps, measurement chains, or account books.
- Right of Entry (Clause c): Lawful authority to enter onto disputed premises at reasonable hours.
- Limits of Power: Cannot use physical violence; if obstructed, must seek police aid through the court.
Practical Note
Handling Obstruction to Commissioner: If the opposing party refuses entry, locks the gate, or threatens the commissioner during inspection under clause (c), the commissioner must immediately draw a spot panchanama of obstruction and submit a report. Counsel should immediately move under Section 151 CPC for police assistance and initiation of contempt proceedings.
हिंदी पाठ
इस आदेश के अधीन नियुक्त कोई भी कमिश्नर, जब तक कि नियुक्ति के आदेश द्वारा अन्यथा निदेश न दिया गया हो,—
(क) स्वयं पक्षकारों की तथा ऐसे किसी भी साक्षी की, जिसे वे या उनमें से कोई प्रस्तुत करे, और किसी भी अन्य ऐसे व्यक्ति की परीक्षा कर सकेगा जिसे कमिश्नर अपने को निर्दिष्ट विषय में साक्ष्य देने के लिए बुलाना उचित समझे;
(ख) जांच के विषय से सुसंगत दस्तावेजों और अन्य वस्तुओं को मंगा सकेगा और उनकी परीक्षा कर सकेगा;
(ग) आदेश में उल्लिखित किसी भूमि या भवन पर या उसमें किसी युक्तियुक्त समय पर प्रवेश कर सकेगा।