Such offence shall be cognizable.

Cognizance of offence :-

1. (i) No court inferior to that of a Magistrate of the Second Class shall try any offence under this Act.
2. (ii) Any legal proceeding for prosecution for an offence committed under this Act may not be initiated without the previous sanction of the Director Fisheries, and he shall give the person a reasonable opportunity of being heard before giving sanction of prosecution.