Search and Seizure

14. Search and Seizure (1) Where the District Magistrate, on the basis of information in his possession, has reason to believe (the reason for such belief to be recorded in writing) that any person- (a) has committed any act which constitutes unfair means, or (b) is in possession of any proceeds of crime involved in unfair means, or (c) is in possession of any record relating to unfair means, or (d) is in possession of any property related to crime, then, subject to the rules made in this behalf, he may authorize any officer to- (i) enter and search any building, place, vessel, vehicle, or aircraft where he has reason to suspect that such records or proceeds of crime are kept or concealed; (ii) break open the lock of any door, locker, safe, almirah or other receptacle for exercising the powers conferred by clause (i) where the keys thereof are not available; (iii) seize any record or property found as a result of such search; (iv) place marks of identification on such record or property, if required or make or cause to be made extracts or copies there from; (v) make a note or an inventory of such record or property; (vi) examine on oath any person, who is found to be in possession or control of any record or property, in respect of all matters relevant for the purposes of any investigation under this Act: (2) The authority, who has been authorized under sub-section (1) shall, immediately after search and seizure, forward a copy of the reasons so recorded along with material in his possession, referred to in that sub-section, to the Special Court in a sealed envelope, in the manner, as may be prescribed and such Special Court shall keep such reasons and material for such period, as may be prescribed. (3) Where an authority, upon information obtained is satisfied that any evidence shall be or is likely to be concealed or tampered with, he may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, enter and search the building or place where such evidence is located and seize that evidence: Provided that no authority referred to in sub-section (1) shall be required for search under this sub-section.