Cognizance of offences.

(1) No court shall take cognizance of any offence punishable under this Act or any rule or order made there under except on a complaint in writing of the facts constituting such offence made by Inspecting Officer or any person authorised in this behalf by the State Government within six months of the date on which the offence is alleged to have been committed: Provided that the court may by reasons to be recorded in writing take cognizance of the offences for the breach of the provisions of sections 16, 16A, 26 and 28 after the expiry of the said period of six months, if it is satisfied that the complainant was prevented by sufficient cause from filling the complaint within the said period. (2) No court inferior to that of a Magistrate of the first class shall take cognizance or try an offence punishable under the Act. All establishments of Central Warehousing Corporation situated in the State of Bihar. (Exempted from: All provisions.)