Page:Suppression of Communism Act 1950.pdf/8

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Act No. 44 of 1950.

of such other publication; and the Governor-General may in like manner withdraw any such proclamation.

Investigation concerning suspected organizations or publications.

7. (1) If the Minister has reason to suspect—

(a)

that the purposes, activities or control of any organization are such that it ought to be declared an unlawful organization under sub-section (2) of section two; or

(b)

that the circumstances connected with any periodical or other publication are such that the printing, publication or dissemination thereof ought to be prohibited under section six,

he may in writing under his hand designate any person as an authorized officer to investigate the purposes or activities of the organization or the manner in which it is controlled, or the circumstances connected with that periodical or other publication, as the case may be.

(2) If directed by the Minister to do so in any case referred to in paragraph (a) of sub-section (1), an authorized officer shall compile a list of persons who are or have been office-bearers, officers, members or active supporters of the organization concerned: Provided that the name of a person shall not be included in any such list or in any category mentioned in such list unless he has been afforded a reasonable opportunity of showing that his name should not be included therein.

(3) An authorized officer may, for the purposes of exercising his functions under sub-section (1) or (2)—

(a)

without previous notice at any time enter upon any premises whatsoever and make such investigation and enquiry as he deems necessary;

(b)

require from any person the production then and there or at a time and place fixed by the authorized officer, of any document or of any copy of any periodical or other publication which is on the premises;

(c)

at any time and at any place require from any person who has the possession or custody or control of any document or any copy of any periodical or other publication, the production thereof then and there or at a time and place fixed by the authorized officer;

(d)

seize any document or copy referred to in paragraph (b) or (c), which in his opinion may afford evidence in regard to any matter referred to in sub-section (2) of section two or section six or in regard to the persons who are or have been office-bearers, officers, members or active supporters of the organization concerned;

(e)

examine and make extracts from and copies of any such document, and require from any person an explanation of any entries therein, or of any matter published in any such periodical or other publication;

(f)

question either alone or in the presence of any other person, as he thinks fit, with respect to any matter referred to in sub-section (2) of section two or section

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