Special procedural provisions

Notwithstanding any thing contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Central Act 5 of 1898) – (a) an offence under sub-section (1) of section 17 shall be deemed to be a cognizable offence within the meaning of that code and (b) it shall be lawful for any Magistrate of the first class specially empowered by the State Government in this behalf to pass a sentence of fine exceeding two thousand rupees on any person convicted of an offence which under this Act is punishable with fine exceeding two thousand rupees.