Print View

[Section Index]

The Mines Act, 1923

( ACT NO. IV OF 1923 )

Chapter V

PROVISIONS AS TO HEALTH AND SAFETY

Power of Government to appoint court of inquiry in cases of accidents
21.(1) When any accidental explosion, ignition, outbreak of fire or irruption of water or other accident has occurred in or about any mine, the Government, if it is of opinion that a formal inquiry into the causes of, and circumstances attending, the accident ought to be held, may appoint a competent person to hold such inquiry, and may also appoint any person or persons possessing legal or special knowledge to act as assessor or assessors in holding the inquiry.
 
 
(2) The person appointed to hold any such inquiry shall have all the powers of a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, for the purpose of enforcing the attendance of witnesses and compelling the production of documents and material objects; and every person required by such person as aforesaid to furnish any information shall be deemed to be legally bound to do so within the meaning of section 176 of the 1[Penal Code].
 
 
(3) Any person holding an inquiry under this section may exercise such of the powers of an Inspector under this Act as he may think it necessary or expedient to exercise for the purposes of the inquiry.
 
 
(4) The person holding an inquiry under this section shall make a report to the Government stating the causes of the accident and its circumstances, and adding any observations which he or any of the assessors may think fit to make.

Copyright © 2019, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division
Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs