Amendment status not verified — confirm the current text below against the official source.
Procedure and power to ascertain truth.- (1) The Gram Panchayat shall receive such evidence in a case, suit or proceeding, as the parties may adduce and may call for such further evidence as, in their opinion, may be necessary for the determination of the points in issue. (2) The Gram Panchayat may make local investigation in the village to which the dispute relates. (3) It would be the duty of the Gram Panchayat to ascertain the facts of every case, suit or proceeding before it by every lawful means, in its power and thereafter to make such decree, or order, with or without costs as it may deem just and legal. (4) The Gram Panchayat shall follow the procedure prescribed by or under this Act. The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 ( 5 of 1908), the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 ( 1 of 1872), the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974) and the Limitation Act, 1963 (36 of 1963), shall not apply to any suit, case or proceedings before a Gram Panchayat except as provided in this Act or as may be prescribed. 44 THE HIMACHAL PRADESH PANCHAYATI RAJ ACT, 1994