39. Search and seizure without warrant

Where an Assistant Controller or a police officer not below the rank of Inspector in any of the circumstances referred to in section 38 has reasonable grounds for believing that by reason of the delay in obtaining a search warrant under that section the investigation would be adversely affected or evidence of the commission of an offence is likely to be tampered with, removed, damaged or destroyed, the Assistant Controller or police officer not below the rank of Inspector may enter the premises and exercise all the powers referred to in section 38 in as full and ample a manner as if he were authorized to do so by a warrant issued under that section.