(1)

If a person is produced before a Magistrate under sub-section (3) of section 23, and if, in his opinion, there are sufficient grounds for proceeding further, the Magistrate shall

(a) examine the person to assess his capacity to understand,

(b) cause him to be examined by a medical officer, and

(c) make such inquiries in relation to such person as he may deem necessary.

(2)

After the completion of the proceedings under sub-section (1), the Magistrate may pass a reception order authorising the detention of the said person as an inpatient in a psychiatric hospital or psychiatric nursing home,

(a) if the medical officer certifies such person to be a mentally ill person, and

(b) if the Magistrate is satisfied that the said person is a mentally ill person and that in the interests of the health and personal safety of that person or for the protection of others, it is necessary to pass such order: