(1) Cognizance and trial of offences. 2[ No prosecution for an offence under this Act, not being an offence under section 14 or section 14A,] shall be instituted except by, or with the written consent of, 3[ the Central Government or the State Government 4[ or a person authorised in this behalf, by general or special order, by the Central Government or the State Government 4[ ]: Provided that a prosecution for an offence under this Act may be instituted by a purchaser or recognised consumer association referred to in section 12, if he or it produces in court a copy of the report of the public analyst along with the complaint.