Effect of the return.

(1) GENERALLY.—The return made to the writ may be amended, and is not conclusive as to the facts stated therein, but the court, justice or judge before whom the return is made may examine into the cause of the imprisonment or detention, receive evidence in contradiction of the return, and determine it as the truth of the case requires.

(2) IN CASES OF CONTEMPT.—On the return of the writ when the cause of detention appears to be a contempt, plainly and specifically charged in the commitment by some court officer or body having authority to commit for the contempt so charged and for the time stated, the court, justice or judge before whom the writ is returnable shall remand the prisoner forthwith if the time for detention for contempt has not expired.