Section 18. (1) When in or at any mine an explosion or other accident has occurred, if it appears to the Governo

(2) The person or persons so appointed shall have all the powers of a Civil Court for the purpose of enforcing the attendance of witnesses and compelling the production of documents; and every person required by such person or persons as aforesaid to furnish any information shall be deemed to be legally bound to do so within the meaning of section 176 of the Indian Penal Code. (4) The person or persons holding an inquiry under this section shall make a report to the Local Government, stating the causes of the accident and its circumstances, and adding any observations which he or they may think fit to make. (3) The person or persons holding an inquiry under this section may exercise such of the powers of an Inspector of Mines as he or they may think it necessary or expedient to exercise for the purposes of such inquiry. 18. (1) When in or at any mine an explosion or other accident has occurred, if it appears to the Governor General in Council or the Local Government that a formal inquiry into the causes of, and circumstances attending, the accident ought to be held, the Governor General in Council or the Local Government may give directions accordingly, and may appoint 1901.] Mines. 135 (Mining Operations and Duties and Responsibilities of Owners, Agents and Managers.—Section 19. Rules.—Section 20.) appoint a competent person to hold the inquiry, and may also appoint any person or persons possessing legal or special knowledge to act as assessor or assessors in holding the inquiry.