In force · As amended up to 2026-08
31. Cognizance and trial of offence.— (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[1] [metropolitan magistrate or a judicial magistrate of the first class] shall try any offence under this Act.
Source: India Code