Cognizance of offences .

(1) No court shall take cognizance of any offence punishable under this Act or any rule or order made thereunder unless the complaint is made— (a) by the employee of a beedi and cigar industrial premises either by himself or through the union of which he is a member within three months from the date on which the offence is alleged to have been committed; or (b) by the Inspector within six months from the date on which the alleged offence comes to his knowledge. (2) No court inferior to that of a Magistrate of the Second class shall try any offence punishable under this Act or any rules or orders made thereunder.