(1)A Collector may, without the order of a Magistrate, investigate any offence punishable under this Act which a Court having jurisdiction over the local area within the limits of the Collector's jurisdiction would have power to inquire into or try under the provisions of [Chapter XIII of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974),] [Substituted by section 14 of the Bengal Excise (Amendment) Act, 1983 (West Bengal Act No. 38 of 1983) (w.r.e.f. 1.4.1974) for the words, figures, letters and brackets Chapter XV of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act No. 5 of 1898).] relating to the place of inquiry or trial.
