Procedure in respect of investigation

(1) Where the Ombudsman proposes to conduct any investigation under this Act, he shall afford– (a) to the principal officer of the authority to which the investigation relates; and (b) to any other officer or member thereof who is alleged to have done or authorized any such action as is mentioned in section 12 (1) of this Act, an opportunity to comment in writing on any allegations relating to such action. (2) The Ombudsman may adopt whatever procedure he considers appropriate to the circumstances of a particular case and, subject to the provisions of this Act, may obtain information from such persons and in such manner, and make such enquiries as he thinks fit. 16 (3) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as requiring the Ombudsman to hold any hearing, and except as provided by sub-sections(1) and (5) of this section and section 21 (3) of this Act, no person shall be entitled as of right to comment on any allegations or to be heard by the Ombudsman. (4) Regulations made under this Act may prescribe the procedure to be adopted at any hearing and such procedure may include provision to ensure that any such communication as is mentioned in section 28 (5) of this Act is not disclosed at that hearing. (5) If it appears to the Ombudsman during the course of an investigation that there are sufficient grounds for making a report or recommendation that may adversely affect any person, he shall give that person an opportunity to be heard and that person may, if he wishes, be represented at that hearing by an attorney-at-law or any other person. (6) Where, for the purposes of an investigation, the Ombudsman requires a person to attend before him, that person shall be entitled to be paid, according to the scale laid down in the Supreme Court Rules, expenses incurred by him by reason of such attendance and by way of compensation for the trouble and loss of time suffered by him.