17. Entry and inspection of buildings and premises

It shall be lawful for any officer or other employee of the Institute specifically authorized in writing in that behalf by the Board, at any reasonable time to enter any building or premises for the purpose of carrying out any inspection, investigation or recording of any data for the purpose of exercising, performing or discharging any of its powers, duties or functions under this Act.

For the purpose of carrying out any inspection, investigation or of recording any data under subsection (1), consent to enter the building or premises shall be obtained from the owner or the occupier or the person in charge of such building or the premises, as the case may be.

Where the consent required to be obtained under subsection (2) is being unfairly refused, the Board may obtain from the Magistrate having jurisdiction in the area in which such building or premises, as the case may be, is situated, a search warrant authorizing an officer named therein to enter such building or the premises, as the case may be and to carry out the required inspection, investigation or the recording of the data.

Every person who obstructs any officer or employee of the Institute in the discharge of his duty under this section, shall be guilty of an offence under this Act.