Power for inspection, seizure and disposal of

Power for inspection, seizure and disposal of.—(1) The Government may authorise officers of the Fisheries Department not below the rank of Fisheries Officer as Inspecting Officers to ensure that the provisions of this Act are implemented effectively.

1. (2) If the Inspecting Officer is convinced that the provisions in sections 13 and 18 of this Act are contravened or the fish handled are stale or containing germs or added chemicals/ toxic substances or of sub-standard quality, he shall have the power to inspect any vessel, fish landing centre, harbour, market, shop room, booth, chilled storage, ice plant, pre-processing centre, processing centre, fish transportation facility and container and allied things.
2. (3) If the places inspected under sub-section
3. (2) are not functioning in accordance with the provisions of this Act, the Inspecting Officer shall give direction to the person or the establishment concerned to stop functioning and close down the same within a fixed time, in the manner as may be prescribed.
4. (4) If stale, infected, chemicals/ toxic substance added or sub-standard fish is found on inspection, the Inspecting Officer shall have the power to seize and destroy it in the manner as may be prescribed. Provided the reason for seizure/destruction shall be given in writing to the person or the institution concerned.
5. (5) After taking action under sub-sections
6. (3) and (4), the Inspecting Officer shall urgently report its details to the Adjudicating Officer in the manner prescribed.