Procedure

Procedure.—(1) All offences specified in section 15-A shall be cognizable but no prosecution for an offence under sub-sections (1),

1. (2) or
2. (3) of the said section, or abetment of such an offence, shall be instituted except with the sanction of the State Government or the Custodian or a District Magistrate or a Deputy Commissioner, Rehabilitation or any other officer authorised by the State Government by general or special order in this behalf.
3. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (V of 1898), no person accused or convicted under sub-sections (2),
4. (3) and
5. (4) of section 15-A or of abetment of any such offence, shall, if in the custody, be released on bail or on his own bond, unless-
   • (a) the prosecution has been given an opportunity to oppose the application for such release ; and
   • (b) where the prosecution opposes the application, the court is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that he is not guilty of such an offence or abetment.