Section 49. Cognizance of offences

49. Cognizance of offences.— (1) No court inferior to that of a[2] [Metropolitan Magistrate] shall try any offence punishable under this Act. 1. Subs. by Act 57 of 1988, s. 19, for sub-section (3) (w.e.f. 1-12-1988). 2. Subs. by s. 19, ibid ., for "magistrate of the first class" (w.e.f. 1-12-1988). (2) No court shall take cognizance of an offence punishable under this Act, unless the complaint in respect of the offence has been made within three months from the dale of the commission of the offence. (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in[1] [section 29 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974)] it shall be lawful for any[2] [Metropolitan Magistrate] to pass a sentence of fine exceeding[3] [five thousand rupees] on a person convicted of an offence punishable under this Act.