Section 158. Inquiries to be judicial proceedings.

The Collector, the compensation officer and the claims officer, for the purposes of any inquiries or proceedings under this Part, shall have the same powers as are vested in a court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), in respect of-- (a) enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath or affirmation; (b) compelling the production of documents; and (c) issuing commission for the examination of witnesses; and such inquiries or proceedings shall be deemed to be judicial proceedings within the meaning of sections 193 and 228 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).