Substitution of section

For section 8 of the principal Act, the following sections shall be substituted, namely:— “8. Offences to be cognizable, bailable and non-compoundable.—Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Act No. 2 of 1974), every offence under this Act shall be cognizable, bailable and non-compoundable.

8-A. Cognizance of offences.—No court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act except on a police report under section 173 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Act No. 2 of 1974) or a complaint made by a person aggrieved by the offence: Provided that no police officer of the rank lower than that of the Deputy Superintendent of Police shall investigate any case registered under this Act: Provided further that no court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act except with the previous sanction of the District Magistrate, having jurisdiction in the area.”