Question

All the powers of a Civil Court trying a suit is available to the National Commission for Women in

1. The investigation of matters relating to deprivation of Women's Rights.

2. The investigation of matters relating to the safeguards voided for women under the Constitution.

3. The evaluation of the progress of the development of women under the Union and any State.

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 1 and 3 only
• C. 2 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 and 2 only

Powers of the National Commission for Women (NCW)

The National Commission for Women was established as a statutory body under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. The Act grants the NCW specific powers of a civil court, but only for certain functions.

According to Section 10(4) of the Act, the Commission has all the powers of a Civil Court while investigating:

• Matters relating to the safeguards provided for women under the Constitution and other laws.

• Deprivation of women's rights.

This means that for these specific investigations, the NCW can:

• Summon and enforce the attendance of any person from anywhere in India and examine them under oath.

• Require the discovery and production of any document.

• Receive evidence on affidavits.

• Requisition any public record or its copy from any court or office.

• Issue commissions for the examination of witnesses and documents.

The third point, "The evaluation of the progress of the development of women under the Union and any State," is a function of the Commission, but the Act does not grant it the powers of a Civil Court for this specific purpose. This function is more about advisory and reporting duties rather than a formal investigation requiring legal enforcement powers.