POWERS OF THE COMMISSION‌

The Commission is vested with the power to regulate its own procedure.

The Commission, while investigating any matter or inquiring into any complaint, has all the powers of a civil court trying a suit and in particular in respect of the following matters:

(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person from any part of India and examining him on oath;

(b) requiring the discovery and production of any document;

(c) receiving evidence on affidavits;

(d) requisitioning any public record from any court or office;

(e) issuing summons for the examination of witnesses and documents; and

(f) any other matter which the President may determine.

The Central government and the state governments are required to consult the Commission on all major policy matters affecting the STs.