Description

Where any newspaper, book, or document, wherever printed, appears to the State Government to contain any matter the publication of which is punishable under:

• Section 124A (sedition)
• Section 153A (promoting enmity between groups)
• Section 153B (imputations prejudicial to national integration)
• Section 292 (obscene materials)
• Section 293 (sale of obscene materials to minors)
• Section 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings)

of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860), the State Government, by notification, stating the grounds of its opinion, may declare every copy of the issue of the newspaper containing such matter, and every copy of such book or other document, to be forfeited to the Government. Thereupon, any police officer may seize the same wherever found in India, and any Magistrate may, by warrant, authorize any police officer not below the rank of sub-inspector to enter upon and search for the same in any premises where any copy of such issue, book, or document may be or may be reasonably suspected to be.

Definitions:

• "Newspaper" and "book" have the same meaning as in the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 (25 of 1867).
• "Document" includes any painting, drawing, photograph, or other visible representation.

No order passed or action taken under this section shall be called into question in any Court except in accordance with the provisions of section 96.