Powers of Inspectors

Section 7 of the Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966 deals with powers of Inspectors. Subject to any rules made by the State Government in this behalf, an Inspector may, within the local limits for which he is appointed,- (a) make such examination and hold such inquiry as may be necessary for ascertaining whether the provisions of this Act have been or are being complied with in any

(1) Subject to any rules made by the State Government in this behalf, an Inspector may, within the local limits for which he is appointed,- (a) make such examination and hold such inquiry as may be necessary for ascertaining whether the provisions of this Act have been or are being complied with in any place or premises:

Provided that no person shall be compelled under this section to answer any question or to give any evidence which may tend to incriminate himself;

(b) require the production of any prescribed register and any other document relating to the manufacture of beedi or cigar or both;

(c) enter, with such assistants as he thinks fit, at all times any place or premises including the residences of employees if he has reasonable grounds for suspecting that any manufacturing process is being carried on or is ordinarily carried on in any such place or premises;

(d) exercise such other powers as may be prescribed.

(2) If an Inspector has reasonable grounds for suspecting that any manufacturing process is being carried on in any establishment in contravention of the provisions of this Act, he may, after giving due notice to the employer or, in the absence of the employer, to the occupier, enter such establishment with such assistants, if any, as he may think fit.

(3) Every employer or occupier shall accord to the Chief Inspector or the Inspector, as the case may be, all reasonable facilities in the discharge of his duties under this Act. 1[7A. Inspector not to disclose the source of any complaint, etc .- (1) No Inspector shall disclose the source of any complaint made to him regarding the contravention of any of the provisions of this Act.

(2) No Inspector shall, while making an inspection under this Act in pursuance of a complaint received by him, disclose to the employer or contractor concerned or any of his representatives that the inspection is being made in pursuance of a complaint:

Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to any case in which the person who has made the complaint has consented to disclose his name.]

Section 7, The Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966 (Act 32 of 1966).