5.2. Powers of 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. It can summon and enforce the attendance of any person from any part of India and examine him on oath. It also has power to receive evidence on affidavits and requisitioning any public record from court or office. The central and state government are required to consult the commission on all major policy matters affecting the SCs.