Section 31. Procedure in inquiries and appeals

For the purpose of any inquiry held under section 26 or of any appeal under section 24, the Council shall be deemed to be a court within the meaning of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, and shall exercise the powers of a Commissioner appointed under the Public Servants (Inquiries) Act, 1850 ; and every such inquiry and appeal shall be conducted, as far as may be, in accordance with the provisions of section 5 and sections 8 to 10 of the said Public Servants (Inquiries) Act, 1850.