Amendment status not verified — confirm the current text below against the official source.
(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), no court shall take cognizance of an offence punishable under this Act except with the previous sanction, in writing, made by the Council or by an officer authorized by the Council or State Government in this behalf by a general or special order. (2) The Council or the Secretary may, compound any offence punishable under this Act before cognizance by the Court, on payment of a sum, which may not be less than the minimum of the fine stipulated for such offence: Provided that no such compounding shall be permitted in the case of a second or subsequent offence. CHAPTER IX Limitations of Actions Protection of action taken in good faith.