Section 37: Cognizance of offences

1[37. Cognizance of offences.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act No. V of 1898) but subject to the administered legislation, no court other than the court of sessions shall take cognizance of any offence punishable with imprisonment or imprisonment in addition of fine under this Act or any administered legislation, except on a complaint by an officer authorized in this behalf by the Commission signed by a Commissioner: Provided that the Federal Government may, in consultation with the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court, notify any other court established under any other law presided by sessions judge or equivalent to take cognizance of any offences under this Act or any administered legislation. (2) Subject to sub­section (1), in case of transfer of case from court of sessions it will not be necessary to recall any witness or record any evidence a new that may have been recorded and the court to which the case is transferred shall continue proceedings from the stage before such transfer.

Effective date: 1997-01-01

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