Powers of Inspectors

Subject to any rules made by the Government in this behalf, an Inspector may, within the local limits for which he is appointed, -

(a) enter, at all reasonable times and with such assistants, if any, who are persons in the service of the Government or of any local authority as he thinks fit to take with him, any place which is, or which he has reason to believe is, an industrial establishment;

(b) make such examination of the premises and of any prescribed registers, records and notices and take on the spot or otherwise, the evidence of such person as he may deem necessary for carrying out the purposes of this Act;

(bb) seize or take copies of such registers, records or notices or portions thereof which he considers relevant in respect of an offence under this Act, on giving the employer a receipt therefor. The registers, records or notices or portions thereof so seized shall be returned by the Inspector, on completion of examination or inquiry or proceeding under this Act;

Provided that such registers, records or notices or portions thereof shall not be retained by the Inspector for more than thirty days except with the permission of the Commissioner of Labour.

(c) exercise such other powers as may be necessary for carrying out the purposes of this Act:

Provided that no one shall be required under this section to answer any question or give any evidence tending to incriminate himself.