26. Cognizance of offences.-(1) All offences under this Act shall be cognizable under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (5 of 1898), but no action shall be taken in respect of any person for any offence under this Act except on the basis of a written complaint made—
(a) in respect of contravention of section 8, 14 or 17 or any rule or order made thereunder, by the person authorised to exercise powers of entry and inspection;
(b) in respect of any other contravention, by a person duly authorised to make such complaints by the Central Government.
(2) Proceedings in respect of contravention of section 18 shall not be instituted except with the consent of the Attorney General of India.
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