Power to investigate

(1) A Collector, may, without the order of a Magistrate, investigate any offence punishable under this Act which a Court having jurisdiction over the local area within the limits of such Collector’s jurisdiction would have power to inquire into or try under the provisions of Chapter XV of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (V of 1898) relating to the place of inquiry or trial. (2) Any other Excise officer when specially empowered in this behalf by the State Government in respect of all or any specified class of offences punishable under this Act, may, without the order of a Magistrate, investigate any such offence which the Court having jurisdiction over the local area to which such officer is appointed would be power to inquire into or try under the aforesaid provisions.