83Magistrates' Court may extend 3-month period

83 Magistrates' Court may extend 3-month period

(1) An inspector may apply to the Magistrates' Court for an extension (not exceeding 3 months) of the period during which a seized document or thing may be retained—

(a) within 3 months after the document or thing is seized under this Division; or

(b) if an extension has been granted under this section, before the end of the period of the extension.

(2) The Magistrates' Court may make an order extending the period if it is satisfied that the total period of retention does not exceed 12 months and retention of the document or other thing is necessary—

(a) for the purposes of an investigation into whether a contravention of this Act or the regulations has occurred; or

(b) to enable evidence of a contravention of this Act or the regulations to be obtained for the purposes of proceedings under this Act.

(3) The Magistrates' Court may adjourn an application to enable notice of the application to be given to any person.