44. Appellate Tribunal.

(1) The Government shall appoint a Judicial Officer who is otherwise qualified to be appointed as a District and Sessions Judge to be the Appellate Tribunal and to exercise the functions conferred under the Act :

Provided that the Government may entrust the duties of the Appellate Tribunal to the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Puducherry.

(2) The Appellate Tribunal shall, with the previous sanction of the Government, make, by notification, regulations consistent with the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder for regulating the procedure and the disposal of its business.