(1) Any informant may give to a magistrate information on oath, supported by two medical recommendations, to the effect that it is expedient for the welfare of any person believed to be suffering from mental illness, or for the public safety, that such person should be forthwith placed under care, observation and treatment in a psychiatric hospital.

(2) One of the medical recommendations referred to in sub-section (1) shall be from a practitioner experienced in psychiatry, and shall-

(a) specify in full detail the reasons why he considers that person to be a proper subject for care, observation and treatment;

(b) specify in full detail the facts upon which he founds his opinion, distinguishing facts which he has himself observed from facts communicated by others,

(c) state the results of his enquiries into the previous cast history of that person; and

(d) state all matters known to him which he considers likely to be of service with reference to mental treatment.

(3) Where information is laid in accordance with this section the magistrate shall in any place which he deems convenient examine the person believed to be suffering from mental illness, and in the same place or elsewhere shall hold an enquiry as to the state of mind of that person.

(4) For the purposes of an enquiry under subsection (3) the magistrate shall have the same power of summoning witness and administering oaths as in a summary trial.

(5) Where the magistrate is satisfied as a result of his enquiry under subsection (3) that there is good reason to believe the person in question to be suffering from mental illness, and that it is expedient for his welfare, or for the public safety, that he should forthwith be placed under care, observation and treatment in a psychiatric hospital, the magistrate may order that such person be placed under care, observation and treatment in a psychiatric hospital for such period, not exceeding six months, as the magistrate thinks fit.