The administrative bodies need to use powers to conduct investigation and enquiry into various matters for the effective discharge of the functions entrusted to it. The purpose of investigation and enquiry is to collect information and ascertain facts since action taken in ignorance of full facts may fail to render solutions and create problems. The power of investigation and inquiry is exercised for various purposes of rule making, law enforcement, adjudication of disputes, supervision, licensing etc. The Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952 is a significant legislation which confers wide powers on the government to make inquiry into any certain matters of public importance. Under the provisions of this Act, inquiries into various subjects have been undertaken, such as railway accidents, state of the Press in India, causes of food contamination, economic conditions and problems of tea, coffee and rubber industries etc. Apart from this Act, there are several other statutes which confer powers on the administration to undertake investigation and enquiry for specific purposes.
