Text of PAHWW Section 8

[Ombudsperson] to enquire into complaint

(1) Any [complainant] shall have the option to prefer a complaint either to the [Ombudsperson] or the Inquiry Committee.

(2) The [Ombudsperson] shall, within 3 days of receiving a complaint, issue a written show-cause notice to the accused. The accused, after the receipt of written notice, shall submit a written defense to the [Ombudsperson] within five days. If they fail to do so without reasonable cause, the [Ombudsperson] may proceed ex-parte. Both parties can represent themselves before the [Ombudsperson].

(3) The [Ombudsperson] shall conduct an inquiry into the matter according to the rules made under this Act and conduct proceedings as the [Ombudsperson] deems proper.

(4) For the purposes of an investigation under this Act, the [Ombudsperson] may require any office or member of an organization concerned to furnish any information or produce any document which, in the opinion of the [Ombudsperson], is relevant and helpful in the conduct of the investigation.

(5) The [Ombudsperson] shall record their decision and inform both parties and the management of the concerned organization for implementation of the orders.

(6) The Ombudsperson shall decide a case or appeal, as the case may be, within a period of ninety days