Section 51

The court shall inquire into the matter in a summary way, and on being satisfied that the patient has an estate applicable to his maintenance, or that any person is legally bound to maintain and has the means of maintaining the patient, may make an order for the recovery of the cost of maintenance of the patient, together with the costs of the application, out of the estate or from that person.

Such order shall be enforced in the same manner and shall be of the same force and effect and subject to the same appeal as a judgment or order made by that court in a suit in respect of the property or person therein mentioned. [52