Direction, etc., of search-warrants

Procedural rules from certain earlier provisions apply, so far as possible, to all search-warrants issued under the other search powers. That means the same formalities about issuing, executing and returning a warrant govern those searches unless they cannot reasonably be applied. Consequence: police must follow those procedural safeguards when carrying out such warrants.

Ravi's neighbour reports stolen stock and police obtain a warrant under a different search power to check his shop. The procedural rules from the earlier provisions apply, so officers must follow the prescribed formalities like making an inventory and returning the warrant with a report. If they skip those steps, the search may be challenged later.