Section 76. Officers and employees not to furnish information, etc.

An officer or employee in the patent office shall not, except when required or authorised by this Act or under a direction in writing of the 1[Central Government 2*** ] or the Controller or by order of a court,-- (a) furnish information on a matter which is being, or has been, or dealt with under this Act 3***; (b) prepare or assist in the preparation of a document required or permitted by or under this Act 3*** to be lodged in the patent office; or (c) conduct a search in the records of the patent office.