(2)The licence shall not be refused except on one or both of the following grounds, namely: -(a)that the applicant is of bad character.Explanation. - If any evidence of bad character is adduced against the applicant, he shall be given an opportunity of rebutting such evidence; and(b)that the shop or place at which he intends to carry on the business of a pawnbroker or any adjacent house or shop or place, owned or occupied by him, is frequented by thieves or persons of bad character:[Provided that the licence shall not be refused under this sub-section unless the applicant has had a reasonable opportunity of making his representations.] [This proviso was added by section 3(b) of the Tamil Nadu Pawnbrokers (Amendment) Act, 1961 (Tamil Nadu Act 31 of 1961).]
