(a)      Whenever the Commission has probable cause to believe that a person or group of persons is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of any of the rights granted by this subtitle, or that any group of persons has been denied any of the rights granted by this subtitle and that the denial or resistance raises an issue of general public importance, the Commission may commence a civil action in the appropriate circuit court.

      (b)      The Commission or other party at whose request a subpoena is issued under this subtitle may enforce a subpoena in appropriate proceedings in the circuit court for the county in which the person to whom the subpoena was addressed resides, was served, or transacts business.

      (c)      (1)      In a civil action under subsection (a) of this section, the court:

                  (i)      May award preventive relief, including a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other order against the person responsible for a violation of this subtitle as is necessary to assure the full enjoyment of the rights granted by this subtitle;

                  (ii)      May award other relief as the court deems appropriate, including monetary damages to persons aggrieved; and

                  (iii)      May, to vindicate the public interest, assess a civil penalty against the respondent:

                        1.      In an amount not exceeding $50,000, for a first violation; and

                        2.      In an amount not exceeding $100,000, for any subsequent violation.

            (2)      In a civil action under this section, the court, in its discretion, may allow the prevailing party, including the Commission, reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

      (d)      (1)      Upon timely application, a person may intervene in a civil action commenced by the Commission under subsection (a) or (b) of this section, if the action involves:

                  (i)      An alleged discriminatory housing practice to which the person is an aggrieved person; or

                  (ii)      A conciliation agreement to which the person is a party.

            (2)      The court may grant appropriate relief to any intervening party as is authorized to be granted to a plaintiff in a civil action under § 33 of this subtitle.