In complying with the duties imposed by this chapter on the Secretary or the official on whom he delegates, he may issue summons compelling the appearance of witnesses and the production of data or information deemed necessary, including payrolls, evidence of wages paid, hours worked, and accounting books. If a summons issued by the Secretary or by the official designated by him is not duly complied with, the Secretary or said official may appear before any part of the Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico, and ask the court to order that said summons be obeyed. The Court of First Instance shall give preference to the course and determination of said petition and shall have the authority to issue orders to compel the appearance of witnesses or the production of any data or information that the Secretary or any official designated by him has requested previously. The Court of First Instance shall have the faculty to punish any disobedience of its orders, for contempt of court. No person may refuse to comply with a summons of the Secretary or the official on whom he delegates, to an order thus issued, alleging that the testimony, data or information requested from him could No person may refuse to comply with a summons of the Secretary or the official on whom he delegates, to an order thus issued, alleging that the testimony, data or information requested from him could incriminate him or give rise to the imposition of a penalty, but cannot be charged criminally with respect to any transaction, matter or thing with regard to which he may have given testimony or produced data or information.\nHistory —Aug. 5, 1989, No. 46, p. 157, § 7, retroactive to July 1, 1989.
Puerto Rico Legal Code