Courts of inquiry

(1) The Security Services Commission, the Commander or a commanding officer may convene a court of inquiry to investigate and report on the facts relating to– (a) the absence of any person subject to military law; (b) the capture of any such person by the enemy; (c) the death of any person where an inquiry into the death is not required to be held by the civil authorities; 74 (d) any other matter which may be referred to the by the said Security Commission or any such officer as aforesaid, and a court of inquiry shall, if directed so to do, express an opinion on any question arising out of any matter referred to it. (2) A court of inquiry shall consist of two or more persons subject to military law and the president shall be an officer not below the rank of lieutenant. (3) A court of inquiry shall, if so directed by the authority convening it, take evidence on oath or solemn affirmation (which the court is hereby authorised to administer). (4) Evidence given before a court of inquiry shall not be admissible against any person in proceedings before a court martial or commanding officer other than proceedings for an offence against section 54, or for an offence against section 67, when the corresponding civil offence is perjury.