(a) on a first conviction be liable to a fine, or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years: and (b) on a second or subsequent conviction be liable to a fine, or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding four years. (3) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any law contained, a magistrate’s court shall be competent to impose any penalty or make any order prescribed by this Act. Delegation of powers Section 22 The Minister may, subject to such conditions as he or she may determine. In writing delegate any power conferred upon him or her by this Act, other than a power referred to in section 20, to an officer employed by the department, but shall not be divested of any power so delegated and may amend or set aside any decision of the delegate made in the exercise of such power. Short title and commencement Section 23 This Act shall be called the Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 1997, and shall come into operation on a date to be fixed by the President by proclamation in the Gazette.