7. The following new sections are hereby inserted immediately after section 17, and shall have effect as sections 17A and 17B, of the principal enactment: -
| 17A. In any proceedings at any inquiry held by the Commissioner, the employer or the workman may be represented by an officer of a trade union of which such employer or workman is a member. |
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| 17B.
| | (1) Where any person-
| | | (a) insults or intimidates the Commissioner during the progress of any inquiry conducted by such Commissioner; |
| (b) interferes with the lawful process of such Commissioner, |
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| | (2) Every offence of contempt committed against or in disrespect of the authority of such Commissioner shall be punishable by the High Court established under the Administration of Justice Law, No. 44 of 1973, within whose jurisdiction such offence was committed. | | |
| | (3) Every complaint of contempt committed against or in disrespect of the authority of such Commissioner shall be communicated to the High Court within whose jurisdiction such offence was committed, by letter signed by such Commissioner, | | |
| | (4) The High Court may, upon receiving a communication referred to in subsection (3), take cognizance of and try in a summary manner under subsection (2) of section 41 of the Administration of Justice Law, No. 44 of 1973, such offence of contempt committed against or in disrespect of the authority of such Commissioner. | | |
| | (5) In any proceedings against any person for the offence of contempt committed against or in disrespect of the authority of such Commissioner, such Commissioner shall not be liable to be summoned as a witness by the first-mentioned person but the High Court may, if it considers it necessary to do so, examine such Commissioner.'. | | |
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Sri Lanka Consolidated Acts