(1) The Magistrate shall, in such case, and may in any other case where a person who is apparently a destitute comes before him, enquire into the circumstances and character of such person and for that purpose may order any officer of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development to investigate and make a report to him within such time as he thinks fit and pending the result of such inquiry may, subject to sub-paragraph (3) of this paragraph, order such person to reside in a suitable institution.

(2) If after any such inquiry the magistrate is satisfied that the person brought before him is a destitute, he may if he thinks fit declare that person to be a destitute and may either-

(a) order any relative or other fit person of that person to take him under his care; or

(b) subject to sub-paragraph (3) of this paragraph order the person to reside in a suitable institution for such period as he thinks fit.

(3) No person shall be ordered to reside in an institution which is a hospital or place used for the reception and care of persons suffering from leprosy without the prior approval of the officer in charge of that institution.