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This section applies only in cases involving discriminatory housing practices.
If the commission has determined that there is reasonable cause to believe that the respondent has engaged in a discriminatory housing practice and if the complaint has not been resolved through a conciliation agreement, the commission shall notify the complainant and the respondent in writing that they may elect to have the claims and issues of the complaint decided in a civil action commenced and maintained by the commission. Either the complainant or the respondent may make such an election by notifying the commission of the complainant's or respondent's desire to do so. A party shall make an election for a civil action no later than twenty (20) days after receiving notice of permission to do so.
If an election is made under this section, no later than sixty (60) days after the election is made, the commission shall commence a civil action in the chancery court or circuit court in a county in which the subject of the complaint occurs, or in a county in which a respondent resides or has the respondent's principal place of business.
In a civil action brought under this section, the court may grant relief as it deems appropriate, including any permanent or temporary injunction, temporary restraining order, or other equitable relief, and may award to any person compensatory and punitive damages. Parties to a civil action brought pursuant to this section shall have the right to a jury trial.