No prosecution for an offence punishable under this Act shall be instituted except by an officer authorised by the Registrar-General by general or special order, in this behalf.

Registrar to be public servant 19. Every Registrar while acting or purporting to act in pursuance of the provisions of this Act or rules made thereunder, be deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code.