Powers of certain officers to close liquor shops.

It shall be lawful for the District Magistrate or a Sub-Divisional Magistrate by notice in writing to the holder of a licence or his agent to require that any shop in which liquor is sold shall be closed at such times or for such period as he may think necessary for the preservation of the public peace. If a riot or unlawful assembly is apprehended or occurs in the vicinity of any such shop, it shall be lawful for any Magistrate or for any Police Officer not below the rank of Inspector who is present, to require such shop to be kept closed for such period as may be necessary: Provided, however, that when any such order is passed by a Police Officer, he shall, within 24 hours, report the fact to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate or the District Magistrate and shall thereafter, abide by such directions as the Magistrate may give in this regard.