The commissions of inquiry are an age-old institution which even existed long before the passing of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952. Its genesis can be traced to the practice of Parliamentary Committees to inquire into definite matters of public importance. The purpose of instituting such inquiry is to restore the public confidence and faith in the public institutions and the system that might have been shaken by the matter/event under inquiry.
The book presents section-wise commentaries on the Act as it exists and provides historical backdrop by tracing the amendments made in the Act since its enactment. It contains the text of all the amendment Bills and the amendment Acts.
Efforts have been made to make this book exhaustive and self-contained. The subject of inquiry commissions has been examined not just with reference to the Act but inquiries made in exercise of executive power too have been suitably referred to, which would help the concerned authorities in deciding as to which type of inquiry may be resorted to in a given case. Besides, references have been made to inquiries that may be instituted under other statutes. Up-to-date case laws have been included after going through all the major reported cases.
There are certain States that have made their own rules under the Act. These rules are not readily available, and therefore have been included in the book. The report of the Select Committee and two reports of the Law Commission of India on the Act have also been included in the book.
Text of certain notifications which have been subject matter of litigation, has been culled out from the reported cases by way of illustrations, and the relevant courts' rulings thereon are briefly stated to focus on such aspects as have been questioned for being objectionable. Extracts of the terms of references of various commissions from the reported cases are also included in the book to indicate the range of the subjects of inquiries.
The book will be of use and interest to a wide cross-section of people, particularly those concerned directly or indirectly with law and justice in India. It will greatly serve the cause of inquiry commissions in the country. |
