Secrecy of information obtained
9.(1) All copies of, and extracts from, registers or other records appertaining to any mine, and all other information acquired by the Chief Inspector or an Inspector or by any one assisting him, in the course of the Inspector of any mine under this Act or acquired by any person authorised under section 7 in the exercise of his duties thereunder, shall be regarded as confidential, and shall not be disclosed to any person other than a Magistrate or an official superior or the owner, agent or manager of the mine concerned, unless the Chief Inspector or the Inspector considers disclosure necessary to ensure the safety of any persons.
(2) If the Chief Inspector, or an Inspector or any other person referred to in sub-section (1) discloses contrary to the provisions of sub-section (1), any such information as aforesaid without the consent of the Government, he shall be guilty of a breach of official trust, and shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
(3) No court shall proceed to the trial of any offence under this section except with the previous sanction of the Government.
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Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs