(1) The competent authority may, for the purposes of determining the amount of compensation or apportionment thereof, require, by order, any person to furnish such information in his possession as may be specified in the order.
(2) The competent authority shall, while holding inquiry under section 15, have all the powers of 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 any person and examining him on oath;
(b) requiring the discovery and production of any document;
(c) reception of evidence on affidavits;
(d) requisitioning any public record from any court or office;
(e) issuing commissions for examination of witnesses.