Power of eviction to be exercised only by the competent authority.

Where the competent authority is satisfied either upon a representation from the owner of a building or upon other information in its possession that the occupants of the building have not vacated it in pursuance of any notice, order or direction issued or given by the authority, the authority shall, by order, direct the eviction of the occupants from the building in such manner and within such time as may be specified in the order ¹⁷ and for the purpose of such eviction may use or cause to be used such force as may be necessary:
Provided that before making any order under this section the competent authority shall give a reasonable opportunity to the occupants of the building to show cause why they should not be evicted therefrom.