Section 10 in Tamil Nadu Local Bodies Ombudsman Act, 2014
10. Enquiry.
(1)Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the Government may refer any allegation of corruption or maladministration against a local body or a public servant which is within their knowledge or brought to their notice, to the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman shall enquire into it as if it was a complaint filed under this Act.(2)The Ombudsman may, on receipt of a complaint, examine the complaint and supporting documentary proof and where there is prima facie case, he/she may enquire into it.(3)The Ombudsman shall not enquire into matters relating to, -(a)any matter in respect of which a formal and public enquiry has been ordered by the Government;(b)any matter in respect of which an enquiry has been ordered under the Commission of Inquiries Act, 1952 or any matter pending before a Court;(c)any complaint filed after the expiry of five years from the date on which the occurrence is said to have taken place.(4)After an enquiry, if the Ombudsman is satisfied that, -(a)the complaint is frivolous or vexatious or is not made in good faith; or(b)there is no sufficient ground to continue proceedings; or(c)other remedies are available to the complainant and it would be more beneficial for the complainant to avail of such remedies in view of the circumstances of the case, he/she may reject the complaint after recording his/her findings stating the reason therefor, and communicate the same to the complainant.(5)The Ombudsman shall, subject to the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder, have power to regulate its procedure by fixing the time and place of sitting.
