Section 11. Investigation.

(1) The Ombudsman may, according to the provisions of this Act, enquire into any complaint filed before it under this Act. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the Government may refer any allegation of corruption or maladministration against a Panchayat or a public servant, which is within its knowledge or brought to its notice, to the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman shall enquire into it as if it was a complaint filed under the Act. (3) The Ombudsman may, on receipt of a complaint, conduct an investigation in the matter and where there is prima facie case it may conduct a detailed enquiry. (4) The Ombudsman shall not enquire into matters relating to,–– (a) any matter in respect of which a formal and public enquiry has been ordered by Government ; (b) any matter in respect of which an enquiry has been ordered under 1[the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952 (60 of 1952)] or any matter pending before the court ; (c) any complaint filed after the expiry of three years from the date on which the matter complained against has taken place.