ยง 16. Examination of witnesses. 1. The judge may also, at any time, on
  petition  of the assignee or any party interested, order the examination
  of witnesses and the production of any books and papers by any party  or
  witness  before  him  or  before  a  referee  appointed  by him for such
  purpose, or before the assignee  who  shall  have  power  to  administer
  oaths,  compel  the  attendance  of  witnesses, and production of books,
  records and papers by the issuance of  subpoena,  and  the  evidence  so
  taken,  together  with  books  and papers, or extracts therefrom, as the
  case may be, shall be filed in the county clerk's  office,  and  may  be
  used in evidence by any creditor or assignee in any action or proceeding
  then pending, or which may hereafter be instituted.
2.  In  any  examination  ordered  pursuant to subdivision one of this
  section, the court may confer immunity in accordance with the provisions
  of section 50.20 of the criminal procedure law; provided, however,  that
  no  immunity  shall  be  conferred  except  upon twenty-four hours prior
  written notice to the appropriate district attorney having  an  official
  interest therein.
Structure New York Laws
Article 2 - General Assignments for the Benefit of Creditors
2 - Jurisdiction of Proceedings.
3 - Requisites of General Assignment.
5 - Notice to Creditors to Present Claims.
10 - Action on Bond; Application of Recovery.
11 - Proceedings in Case of Death of Assignee.
12 - Notices to Parties Interested in the Estate as Creditors or Otherwise.
13 - Debts Which May Be Proved Against the Estate.
16 - Examination of Witnesses.
18 - Effect of Orders; Power of Judge and Duties of Clerk.
19 - Sale and Compromise of Claims and Property.
21 - Trial, Costs and Commissions.
21-A - Company Pension Plans; Deductions From Wages Trust Moneys; Preference.
22 - Wages and Commissions and Preferred Claims.