Section 19: Public safety

19. Public safety (1) No person shall exhibit or permit the exhibition of a film in any building unless the building has previously been certified by— (a) the Authority as a fit and proper place for such exhibition; and (b) the Chief Fire Officer as being adequately protected against fire. [Issue 7] F5 – 6 Revised Laws of Mauritius (2) The Authority or the Chief Fire Officer may refuse to grant the certificate under subsection (1) or may grant it subject to such conditions and restrictions as may be specified in the certificate. (3) Where the Authority or the Chief Fire Officer has refused to grant a certificate, the reasons for such refusal shall be stated. (4) Where any condition or restriction specified in the certificate under subsection (2) is not complied with, the building shall be deemed not to have been certified by the Authority or the Chief Fire Officer as a fit and proper place for the purpose specified in subsection (1). (5) An appeal shall lie from any decision of the Authority or of the Chief Fire Officer to the District Magistrate of the district where the building is situated. (6) (a) Every appeal before the District Magistrate shall be by plaint with summons, and shall be heard and determined according to the procedure prescribed by the District and Intermediate Courts (Civil Jurisdiction) Act. (b) The plaint shall state the grounds of appeal, and the applicant shall not be allowed to adduce evidence on any ground which is not included in the plaint. (7) The plaint shall be lodged with the District Clerk within 21 days after notification to, or service upon, the appellant of the decision, notice or order complained of. (8) In giving his judgment in any appeal, the Magistrate may either dismiss the appeal absolutely or he may reverse and annul the decision appealed against, or he may amend the decision as he considers expedient and proper. (9) Any of the parties aggrieved by the judgment of the Magistrate may appeal to the Supreme Court according to the procedure prescribed by section 37 of the District and Intermediate Courts (Civil Jurisdiction) Act. (10) The decision of the Authority or Chief Fire Officer shall not be suspended pending the decision on appeal, unless the District Magistrate orders otherwise.