Refusal to register.

(1) The prescribed authority may refuse registration of a dealer under this Act if he is convicted of any offence punishable under any law providing for prevention of boarding, smuggling or profiteering or adulteration of food or drug or offence under chaper XIII and XIV of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and three years have not elapsed since the expiry of any sentence imposed upon him. (2) No application for registration shall be refused unless, the person applying for registration has been afforded a reasonable opportunity of being heard.