In force · As amended up to 2026-08
18. Cognizance of offences .—No court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act except on a complaint made by—
(a) the Central Government or any authority or officer authorised in this behalf by that Government; or
(b) any person who has given notice of not less than sixty days in the manner prescribed, of the alleged offence and of his intention to make a complaint, to the Central Government or the authority or officer authorised as aforesaid.
Source: India Code