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[12. Cognizance and trial of offences.--(1) No court inferior to that of a Metropolitan Magistrate or
a Judicial Magistrate of the first class shall try any offence punishable under this Act.
(2) No court shall take cognizance of an offence punishable under this Act except upon--
(a) its own knowledge or upon a complaint made by the appropriate Government or an officer authorised by it in this behalf, or
(b) a complaint made by the person aggrieved by the offence or by any recognised welfare institution or organisation.
Explanation.--For the purposes of this sub-section "recognised welfare institution or organisation" means a social welfare institution or organisation recognised in this behalf by the Central or State Government.]
(2) No court shall take cognizance of an offence punishable under this Act except upon--
(a) its own knowledge or upon a complaint made by the appropriate Government or an officer authorised by it in this behalf, or
(b) a complaint made by the person aggrieved by the offence or by any recognised welfare institution or organisation.
Explanation.--For the purposes of this sub-section "recognised welfare institution or organisation" means a social welfare institution or organisation recognised in this behalf by the Central or State Government.]
1. Subs. by Act 49 of 1987, s. 4, for section 12 (w.e.f. 16-12-1987).