27. Functions of Counsellor [Sections 6 (1) and 23 (2) (e)].
(1)A Counsellor entrusted with a petition shall assist and advise the parties regarding the settlement of the subject-matter of dispute between the parties or any part thereof. The Counsellor shall also help the parties in arriving at reconciliation.(2)A Counsellor appointed to advise the parties shall fix the time and date of appointment and the parties shall be bound to attend the Counsellor on the date and at the time so fixed.(3)If a party fails to attend the Counsellor on the date and at the time so fixed, the Counsellor may fix another date and time and inform the absent party accordingly by registered post, and if the said party does not attend the Counsellor on the adjourned date, the Counsellor may make a report to the Family Court stating that one or both the parties have failed to attend the Counsellor, whereupon the Family Court may proceed with the matter without prejudice to its any other powers to take action against the defaulting party.(4)A Counsellor in the discharge of his functions shall be entitled to pay visits to the house of any of the parties, and interview relatives, friends and acquaintances of parties or any of them :Provided that where the lady is the sole occupant of the premises she occupies, the visit by a male Counsellor shall always be along with a lady duly approved by the Family Court.(5)The Counsellor in the discharge of his functions may seek such information as he may deem necessary from the employer of a party.(6)The Counsellor may refer a party to an expert in any other area such as medicine or psychiatry.
