Section 17:
Procedure where officer in charge of prison doubts the legality of warrant sent to him for execution under this Part.
(1) Where an officer in charge of a prison doubts the legality
of a warrant or order sent to him for execution under this Part, or the competency of the person whose
official seal or signature is affixed thereto to pass the sentence and issue the warrant or order, he shall
refer the matter to the State Government, by whose order on the case he and all other public officers
shall be guided as to the future disposal of the prisoner.
(2) Pending a reference made under sub-section (1), the prisoner shall be detained in such manner
and with such restrictions or mitigations as may be specified in the warrant or order.