(1)The Panchayati Adalat shall receive 11. Substituted by Central Act 9 of 1959. such evidence in [suit, criminal case or proceeding] as the parties may adduce any may call for such further evidence as in its opinion may be necessary for the determination of the points in issue. It shall be the duty of the Panchayati Adalat to ascertain the facts of every [suit, criminal case or proceeding] [Substituted by Central Act 9 of 1959.] before it by every lawful means in its power and thereafter to make such decree or order, with or without costs, as to it may seem just and legal. It may take local investigation in the village to which the dispute relates. It shall follow the procedure prescribed by or under this Act. The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, [Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898] the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, and the Indian Limitation Act, 1908, shall not apply to any suit or proceeding in a Panchayati Adalat except as provided in this Act or as may be prescribed.(2)[ Nothing in sub-section (1) shall entitle any party to compound any offence is not compoundable under the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, or to compound an offence without the permission of the bench concerned, if it is compoundable with permission under the provision of the said Code.] [Added by Central Act 9 of 1959.]
