156. Procedure where existence of public right is denied.

(1) If the person against whom an order under section 152 is made appears and denies the existence of any public right which is asserted to exist, the Magistrate shall inquire into the matter.

(2) If in such inquiry the Magistrate finds that there is reliable evidence in support of such denial, he shall stay the proceedings until the matter of the existence of such right has been decided by a competent court; and, if he finds that there is no such evidence, he shall proceed as hereinafter laid down.