Subject to the provisions of the PRANAM Act, it shall be the duty of the PRANAM Commission to receive and inquire into a complaint from the parents/ divyang siblings of an employee, -
(a) who has been unable to submit an application or appeal before Designated Authority or the Appellate Authority, as the case may be, either by reason that there is no such officer for the time being either appointed or functions under this Act, or because the Designated Authority or the Appellate Authority, as the case may be, has refused to accept his or her application or appeal under this Act;
(b) who has not been given a response to an application for sanctioning apportioned salary of an employee within the time limit specified under this Act
On the receipt of the complaint, if the Commission is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to inquire into the matter, it may initiate an inquiry regarding the same.
While inquiring the matter, the Commission shall have the same powers as are vested in a civil court while trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), in respect of the following matters:
(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of persons and compel them to give oral or written evidence on oath and to produce the documents or things
(b) requiring the discovery and inspection of documents
(c) receiving evidence on affidavit
(d) requisitioning any public record or copies thereof from any court or office
(e) issuing summons for examination of witness or documents and any other matter which may be prescribed.
The Commission will have the right to examine any record to which the Act applies which is under its control.
The Authorities under the PRANAM Commission will exercise quasi-judicial power while deciding the cases under the PRANAM Act. A quasi-judicial power refers to the power vested in the commission established by law, administrative officers, or bodies to determine the rights of those who appear before it. The Commission will possess the right to hold hearings on and conduct investigations into appeals and make decisions in the general manner of courts.
Protection of action taken in good faith:
No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie against the State Government or an Organisation or any authority or any functionary or any officer thereof or any person for anything which is done in good faith or intended to be done in pursuance of this Act or the rules made thereunder.
Bar of Jurisdiction of Courts:
No court shall entertain any suit, application or other proceedings in respect of any order made under this Act and no such order shall be called in question otherwise than by way of an appeal under this Act.