(1)The Central Government may, by general or special order published in the Official Gazette,-(a)authorise as many [Joint Commissioners] [ Substituted by Act 21 of 1998, Section 3, for " Deputy Commissioner" (w.e.f. 1.10.1998).], as it thinks fit, to perform the functions of a competent authority under this Chapter; and(b)define the local limits within which the competent authorities shall perform their functions under this Chapter.
