Regulation 19 - EVIDENCE ACT NOT TO APPLY IN THE PROCEEDINGS BEFORE OMBUDSMAN - Securities and Exchange Board of India (Ombudsman) Regulations, 2003

EVIDENCE ACT NOT TO APPLY IN THE PROCEEDINGS BEFORE OMBUDSMAN 19 (1) In proceedings before the Ombudsman strict rules of evidence under the Evidence Act shall not apply and the Ombudsman may determine his own procedure consistent with the principles of natural justice. (2) Ombudsman shall decide whether to hold oral hearings for the presentation of evidence or for oral argument or whether the proceeding shall be conducted on the basis of documents and other materials. Provided that it shall not be necessary for an investor to be present at the oral hearing of proceedings under these regulations and the Ombudsman may proceed on the basis of the documentary evidence submitted before him. (3) No legal practitioner shall be permitted to represent the defendants or respondents at the proceedings before the Ombudsman except where a legal practitioner has been permitted to represent the complainants by the Ombudsman.