Section 21. Procedure and powers of Authorities in deciding applications under Sec. 20

(1) An application under section 20 shall be deemed to be proceedings within the meaning of section (4) of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Central Act 5 of 1908) and in the trial thereof, the Authorities empowered to decide a reference may exercise the powers of a civil court. (2) The scope of inquiry shall be restricted to the consideration of the matter referred to the State Government of such other Officer as the Statement may authorize in this behalf.