Introduction Schedule 4 Section 54 - Obstruction and contempt
216.Sections 54(1) and (2) enable the Ombudsman to certify to the High Court that, in the Ombudsman’s opinion, a person has without lawful excuse obstructed the Ombudsman (or a member of the Ombudsman’s staff) in the discharge of functions under Part 5 or that the person has acted in a way that, if the act was done in relation to High Court proceedings, would amount to a contempt of court.
217.If the Ombudsman issues such a certificate then the High Court may inquire into the matter and if the High Court finds that the person concerned has obstructed the Ombudsman, the High Court may deal with the person as if that person had committed contempt in relation to the High Court (section 54(4)).