10Revocation, suspension and amendment of licences

(1) If the licensing officer is satisfied, either on a reference made to him in this behalf or otherwise, that--

(a) a licence granted under section 8 has been obtained by misrepresentation or suppression of any material fact, or

(b) the holder of a licence has, without reasonable cause, failed to comply with the conditions subject to which the licence has been granted or has contravened any of the provisions of this Act or the rules made hereunder,

then, without prejudice to any other penalty to which the holder of the licence may be liable under this Act, the licensing officer may, after giving the holder of the licence an opportunity to be heard, by order in writing, revoke the licence or forfeit the security furnished by him under the proviso to sub-section (2) of section 8 or any part thereof and communicate the order to the holder of the licence:

Provided that where the licensing officer considers it necessary so to do for any special reasons, he may, pending such revocation or forfeiture, by order, suspend the operation of the licence for such period as may be specified in the order and serve, by registered post, such order along with a statement of the reasons on the holder of the licence and such order shall take effect on the date on which such service is effected.

(2) Subject to any rules that may be made in this behalf, the licensing officer may vary or amend a licence granted under section 8.