31. Cognizance and trial of offences
(1)
No prosecution for an offence under this Act shall be instituted except by, or with the written consent of, the State Government or a person authorised in this behalf by the State Government.
(2)
No court inferior to that of a [metropolitan magistrate or a judicial magistrate of the first class] shall try any offence under this Act.
Amendment notes (1)
- Subs w.e.f. 2-8-1977 . Subs. by Act 24 of 1977, s. 7, for "presidency magistrate or a magistrate of the first class" (w.e.f. 2-8-1977).