Power of collection and certain Excise Officers to investigate offences

(1) A Collector may, without the order of a Magistrate, investigate any offence punishable under this Act which a Court having jurisdiction over the local area within the limits of the Collector's jurisdiction would have power to inquire into or try under the provisions of chapter XV of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 relating to the place of inquiry or trial. (2) Any other Excise Officer specially empowered in this behalf by the State Government in respect of all or any specified offences punishable under this Act, may, without the order of a Magistrate, investigate any such offence which a court having jurisdiction over the local area to which such officer is appointed would have power to inquire into or try under the aforesaid provisions.