Section 32: Power to call for examination

32. Power to call for examination.—(1) For the purpose of sub­section (1) of section 29, the Commission may by notice in writing require any person acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the case to appear before an investigating officer authorized by it in this regard. Such person shall be examined orally and any statement made by such person during the course of the examination shall be reduced into writing. (2) Such person shall be bound to answer all questions relating to such case put to him by the investigating officer, as the case may be, and to state the truth, whether or not the statement is made wholly or partly in answer questions. (3) Subject to sub­section (4), a statement made by any person under this section shall be taken down in writing and signed by the person making it or affixed with his signature and thumb print, as the case may be, after it has been read to him and after he had been given an opportunity to make any correction he may wish. (4) Where the person examined refuses to sign and affix his thumb print on the statement, the investigating officer of the Commission shall endorse thereon under his hand the fact of such refusal and the reason therefor, if any, stated by the person examined. (5) Any person who:— (a) fails to appear before an investigating officer of the Commission as required under sub­section (1); (b) refuses to answer any question put to him by an investigating officer of the Commission as required under sub­section (2); or (c) knowingly furnishes to an investigating officer of the Commission information or statement that is false or misleading in any material particular; (d) wilfully refuses to obey or disregards any lawful order of the Commission 1[under this Act or any other law administered by the Commission]; shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand rupees or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or to both.

Effective date: 1997-01-01

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