Section 16. Permission for establishment of new institutions, new course of study, etc.

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other law for the time being in force, with effect from such date as may be notified by the State Government,- (a) no person shall establish an Acupuncture institution; or (b) no Acupuncture institution shall,- (i) open a course of study or training leading to the award of any recognized qualification by the Council; or (ii) increase its admission capacity in any course of study or training; except with the previous permission of the Council obtained in accordance with the provisions of this Act. (2) The Council shall, as soon as may be, after the commencement of this Act, by regulations prescribe the procedure for applying for obtaining permission, affiliation and recognition of the Council and also for grant of such permission, affiliation and recognition or refusal thereto. Explanation.-For the purposes of this section "person" shall include any University or trust or society or an institution but shall not include the State Government or Central Government or the Council.