§ 16 — Examination of witnesses

§ 16. Examination of witnesses. 1. The judge may also, at any time, on\npetition of the assignee or any party interested, order the examination\nof witnesses and the production of any books and papers by any party or\nwitness before him or before a referee appointed by him for such\npurpose, or before the assignee who shall have power to administer\noaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and production of books,\nrecords and papers by the issuance of subpoena, and the evidence so\ntaken, together with books and papers, or extracts therefrom, as the\ncase may be, shall be filed in the county clerk's office, and may be\nused in evidence by any creditor or assignee in any action or proceeding\nthen pending, or which may hereafter be instituted.\n 2. In any examination ordered pursuant to subdivision one of this\nsection, the court may confer immunity in accordance with the provisions\nof section 50.20 of the criminal procedure law; provided, however, that\nno immunity shall be conferred except upon twenty-four hours prior\nwritten notice to the appropriate district attorney having an official\ninterest therein.\n