53. Powers of the adjudicating officer and the Appellate Board to summon witnesses, etc.

 (1) Without prejudice to any other provision contained in this Act, the adjudicating officer and the Appellate Board shall have all the powers of a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 while trying a suit, in respect of the following matters, namely:-(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of witnesses;

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

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

(d) receiving evidence on affidavits; and

(e) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents.

(2) The adjudicating officer or the Appellate Board while exercising any powers under this Act shall be deemed to be a civil court for the purposes of sections 345 and 346 of the Code of Criminal Procedure,1973.