Section 16. Investigation to be deemed a judicial proceeding

16. Investigation to be deemed a judicial proceeding. Every investigation conducted by the Manager with reference to any claim preferred before him under this Act, or to any matter connected with any such claim, shall be taken to be a judicial proceeding within the meaning of the Indian Penal Code. Statements of persons examined, to be evidence.—And every statement made by any person examined by or before the Manager with reference to such investigation, whether upon oath or otherwise, shall be taken to be evidence within the meaning of the same Code.