(2)Except with the special sanction of the State Government no [judicial Magistrate] [Substituted for the word 'Magistrate' by Punjab Separation of Judicial and Executive Functions Act, 1964 (25 of 1964).] shall take cognizance of any offence punishable under this Act unless the prosecution is instituted within a year after the date on which the offence is alleged to have been committed.
