Powers

(1) The Ombudsman shall, for the purpose of any enquiry, have all the powers of a civil court trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 and, in particular, in respect of the following matters, namely:-

       (a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of complainant or witnesses and examining him/her on oath;

       (b) requiring the discovery and production of any relevant and necessary document;

       (c) receiving evidence on affidavits;

       (d) requisitioning any public record, or copy thereof from any court or office;

       (e) issuing commission for the examination of witness and documents; and

       (f) any other matter which may be prescribed.

(2) Where the Ombudsman finds after enquiry that the allegation contained in a complaint is without any substance, he/she may, by an order, direct the complainant to pay to the opposite party an amount specified in the order by way of cost.

(3) Where the allegation contained in a written complaint is about the loss of the fund of the local body, the Ombudsman may, during enquiry, collect evidence, determine the loss and direct in his/her order, the amount to be realised from the person responsible.

(4) If the amount payable as per the order passed by the Ombudsman under sub-section (2) or sub-section (3) is not paid within the period specified by him/her, the same shall be recovered as if it were an arrear of land revenue under the Tamil Nadu Revenue Recovery Act, 1864.