Cognizance of offences and procedure for trial.

Notwithstanding anything contained in 1[the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974)] :––

1. (i) all offences under this Act shall be triable by a Judicial Magistrate of Ist Class empowered by the Government in this behalf ;
2. (ii) no Court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act except on a complaint lodged by the competent authority or an officer authorised by the competent authority ;
3. (iii) all offences under this Act shall be triable in accordance with the procedure laid down under section 259-A of 1[the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974)].