Power of entry on premises for purposes of Inspection, survey or execution of necessary work

(1) Any municipal officer duly authorised in this behalf by the Commissioner may enter into or upon any premises, with or without assistants or workmen, in order to make any inspection, survey, measurement, valuation or inquiry, or executed any work which is authorised by this Act or by any rule or bye-law made thereunder or which, in his opinion it is necessary or expedient for any of the purposes or in pursuance of any of the provisions of this Act or of any such rule or bye-law, to make or execute: Provided as follows—

1. (a) except when it is in this Act or in any rule or bye-law made thereunder otherwise expressly provided, no such entry shall be made between sunset and sunrise;
2. (b) except when it is in this Act or in any rule or bye-law made thereunder otherwise expressly provided, no building used as a dwelling house shall be so entered, unless with the consent of the occupier thereof, without giving the said occupier at least six hours previous notice in writing of the intention to make such entry and (except where it is inexpedient to mention the purpose) of the purpose thereof;
3. (c) notwithstanding any power to enter any premises conferred upon municipal officers by this Act or any rule or bye-law made thereunder, sufficient notice of such entry shall in every instance be given to enable the inmates of any apartment appropriated to women to withdraw to some part of the premises where their privacy need not be disturbed;
4. (d) due regard shall always be had, so far as may be compatible with the exigencies of the purpose for which the entry is made, to the social and religious usages of the occupants of the premises entered.

1. (2) Except when it is in this Act or any rule or bye-law made thereunder otherwise expressly provided, no claim shall lie against any person for compensation for any damage necessarily caused by any entry made or by the use of any force necessary for effecting such entry: Provided that force shall not be used for effecting an entry, unless there is reason to believe that an offence has been or is being committed against some provisions of this Act or any rule or bye-law made thereunder.