Preliminary inquiry and finding as to age of adolescent offender.

(1) Before passing a sentence under section 8 the Court shall inquire into the age of the offender and, after taking such evidence (if any) as may be deemed necessary, shall record a finding thereon stating his age as nearly as may be.

(2) A similar inquiry shall be made and finding recorded by every magistrate not empowered to pass sentence under section 8 before submitting his proceedings and forwarding an adolescent offender to the District or Sub-divisional Magistrate as required by sub-section (1) of section 7.