Power to notify and take possession of places used for the purpose of unlawful activities

(1) The Government or in any area for which a Commissioner of Police is appointed, the Commissioner of Police and elsewhere the District Magistrate, may notify any place which in its opinion or his opinion is used for the activities of an unlawful association. Such Officer shall be known as the Competent Authority. Explanation - For the purpose of this section place includes a house or building or part thereof or a tent or vessel. (2) When any place is notified under sub-section (1) the Competent Authority or any officer authorised in this behalf in writing by him may take possession of the notified place and evict therefrom any person found therein, and shall forthwith make a report of the taking possession to the Government: Provided that where such place contains any apartment occupied by women or children reasonable time and facilities shall be provided for their withdrawal with least possible inconvenience. (3) A notified place whereof possession is taken under sub-section (2) shall remain in the possession of the Government as long as the notification under Section 3 in respect thereof remains in force or for such earlier period as the Government decides.