(1)(a) The Mica Officer and every other officer authorized in this behalf by the Government may search any place in which he has reason to believe that an offence under this Act, has been or is being committed, and seize any stock of mica in respect of which the offence has been, or is being committed.
(b) Every such officer shall have the right to take down and record statements of persons in charge of mines, mine premises, storage, godowns or splitting depots of processing premises.
(2) Every Mica Officer or other officer authorised in this behalf, shall have power to seize mica while in transport without a permit, or in contravention of the provisions of this Act.
(3) Every officer seizing mica under this section shall—
(a) prepare a list of the mica so seized and deliver a copy thereof signed by him to the person found in possession of such mica;
(b) enclose the mica seized in a package and place on such package a mark indicating that the mica therein contained has been seized; and Power of search and seizure.
[Act No.VII of 1957] 17
(c) as soon as may be after such seizure, make a report thereof to the Magistrate having jurisdiction to try the offence on account of which such seizure has been made.
(4) On receipt of any such report, the Magistrate shall with all convenient despatch, take such measures as may be necessary for the arrest and trial of the offender and the disposal of the property according to law.
23. All mica in respect of which an offence has been committed under this Act or any rule made thereunder and every box, receptacle, package or covering containing such mica shall be liable to confiscation.