17. Power to delegate.- The State Government may, by notification, direct that-

(a) all or any of the powers which may be exercised by it under this Act shall, in such circumstances and under such conditions, if any, as may be specified in that notification, be exercised also by such officer, not being, in the opinion of the State Government, inferior in rank to that of a District Magistrate, as may be specified in the said notification;

(b) all or any of the powers which may be exercised by the Controller under this Act shall, in such circumstances and under such conditions, if any, as may be specified in that notification, be exercised also by such officer, not being, in the opinion of the State Government, inferior in rank to that of a Sub- Divisional Magistrate, as may be specified in the said notification.