What is Inquiry Commissions?
Historical Background
Key Points
9 points- 1.
Established under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952
- 2.
Appointed by the Central or State Government
- 3.
Mandate to inquire into specific matters of public importance
- 4.
Powers to summon witnesses and demand documents
- 5.
Reports are advisory in nature and not binding on the government
Visual Insights
Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952 vs. Tribunals
Comparison of key features of Commissions of Inquiry and Tribunals.
| Feature | Commissions of Inquiry | Tribunals |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Basis | Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952 | Various Acts (e.g., Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985) |
| Purpose | Investigate specific issues of public importance | Adjudicate disputes, often quasi-judicial |
| Powers | Power to summon witnesses and demand documents; findings are advisory | Power to adjudicate disputes; decisions are often binding |
| Nature of Report | Advisory; not binding on the government | Binding; enforceable by courts |
| Scope | Broad scope; can investigate any matter of public importance | Limited scope; specific to the Act under which it is constituted |
Source Topic
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Polity & GovernanceUPSC Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
121. What are Inquiry Commissions and what is their legal basis?
Inquiry Commissions are bodies formed by the government to investigate specific issues of public importance. They are established under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952.
Exam Tip
Remember the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952 is the key legislation.
2. What are the key provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952?
The Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952 provides the framework for: * Establishing Inquiry Commissions by the Central or State Government. * Defining their powers to summon witnesses and demand documents. * Specifying that their reports are advisory and not binding.
- •Establishing Inquiry Commissions by the Central or State Government
- •Defining their powers to summon witnesses and demand documents
