Clause 7

The principal Act is hereby amended by inserting immediately after section 23 thereof the following section: —“Jurisdiction of District and Magistrate’s Courts23A. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Criminal Procedure Code, a District Court or Magistrate’s Court shall have jurisdiction to try any offence under this Act (Cap. 113) or any regulations made thereunder and to impose the full penalty or punishment in respect of any such offence.”.