(1) For the purpose of conducting an inquiry under this Chapter into the causes of any accident on a railway, the Commissioner shall, in addition to the powers specified in section 7, have the 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, namely:--
         (a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of persons and examining them on oath;
         (b) requiring the discovery and production of documents;
         (c) receiving evidence on affidavits;
         (d) requisitioning any public record or copies thereof from any court or office;
         (e) any other matter which may be prescribed.
     (2) The Commissioner while conducting an inquiry under this Chapter shall be deemed to be a Civil Court for the purposes of section 195 and Chapter XXVI of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974).