Section 17. Appeals.

(1) Any person aggrieved by an order of the Competent Authority under section 16, may, at any time before the expiry of ninety days from the date of the order, prefer an appeal to–– (i) Deputy Commissioner, if the order appealed against is passed by an officer below the rank of Deputy Commissioner in his capacity as Competent Authority ; or (ii) Divisional Commissioner, if the order appealed against is passed by Deputy Commissioner in his capacity as Competent Authority. (2) The Appellate Authority shall, within 30 days from the date of receipt of the appeal, pass such orders on it as it deems fit : Provided that no order shall be made against any person without affording him a reasonable opportunity of being heard.