Telecommunications Act 1950 · As enacted · Part II · Privileges and Powers of the Government
Section 5
Feedback & supportOn the occurrence of any public emergency or in the interest of public safety, the Prime Minister or any officer specially authorised by him in that behalf may—
take temporary possession of any telecommunication established, maintained or worked by any person licensed under this Act;
telecommunication
"telecommunication" means any system for the transmission, emission or reception of signs, signals, writing, images and sounds or intelligence of any nature by wire, radio, visual or other electromagnetic systems;
withdraw either totally or partially the use of any telecommunication facility or telecommunication plant from any person or class of persons or from the public at large; or
telecommunication plant
"telecommunication plant" means any building, apparatus, machinery, equipment, poles, lines, vehicles and any other appliances used for and in connection with telecommunications.
order that any message or class of messages to or from any person or class of persons or relating to any specified subject shall not be transmitted or shall be intercepted or detained, or that any such message or messages or the records thereof shall be disclosed to an officer mentioned in the order.
message
"message" means any communication sent and received or made by telecommunication or given to a telecommunication officer to be sent by telecommunication or to be delivered;
If any doubt arises as to the existence of a public emergency or whether any act done under subsection (1) was in the interest of public safety, a certificate signed by the Prime Minister and delivered to the person in charge of the telecommunication shall be conclusive proof on the point.