In force · As amended up to 2026-08
44. Cognizance of offences.— (1) No court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act, except upon a complaint in writing made by any officer authorised in this behalf by the Central 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.
Source: India Code