29(1)Section 20 (powers of Vicar-General's court) is amended as follows.E
(2)In subsection (9), before “shall be a contempt of court” insert “ or of a special citation under subsection (1) ”.
(3)After subsection (10) insert—
“(11)The court has the same powers as the High Court in relation to—
(a)the attendance and examination of witnesses, and
(b)the production and inspection of documents.
(12)If a person does or omits to do something in connection with proceedings instituted under section 18 which is in contempt of the court, the presiding judge may certify the act or omission under his or her hand to the High Court.
(13)The High Court may—
(a)on receiving a certificate under subsection (12), inquire into the alleged act or omission, and
(b)after hearing any witnesses against or on behalf of the person subject to the allegation and any statement in defence, exercise the same jurisdiction and powers as if the person were guilty of contempt of the High Court.
(14)For the right of appeal against a judgment, order or decree of the court in proceedings instituted under section 18, see section 14 of the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and Care of Churches Measure 2018.”
Commencement Information
I1Sch. 1 para. 29 in force at 1.9.2018 by S.I. 2018/720, art. 2