(3)Subject to any rules made in this behalf, any authority referred to in sub-section (1) [or sub-section (1-A)] [ Inserted by Act 41 of 1975, Section 34 (w.e.f. 1.10.1975).] may impound and retain in its custody for such period as it thinks fit any books of account or other documents produced before it in any proceeding under this Act:Provided that [an ] [Substituted by Act 41 of 1975, Section 34, for " an Income-tax Officer" (w.e.f. 1.10.1975).][Assessing Officer] [ Substituted by Act 4 of 1988, Section 2, for certain words (w.e.f. 1.4.1988).][or an ] [Substituted by Act 41 of 1975, Section 34, for " an Income-tax Officer" (w.e.f. 1.10.1975).][[Assistant Director or Deputy Director] [Substituted by Act 4 of 1988, Section 2, for certain words (w.e.f. 1.4.1988).] shall not-(a)impound any books of account or other documents without recording his reasons for so doing, or(b)retain in his custody any such books or documents for a period exceeding fifteen days (exclusive of holidays) without obtaining the approval of [the Chief Commissioner or Director General or Commissioner or Director therefor, as the case may be] [ Substituted by Act 26 of 1988, Section 33, for " the Commissioner or Commissioners thereof" (w.e.f. 1.6.1988).].
