When any accident occurs in which a motor vehicle is involved, any person authorised in this behalf by the State Government may, on production if so required of his authority, inspect the vehicle and for that purpose may enter at any reasonable time any premises where the vehicle may be, and may remove the vehicle for examination:
Provided that the place to which the vehicle is so removed shall be intimated to the owner of the vehicle and the vehicle shall be returned *[after completion of the formalities to the owner, driver or the person in charge of the vehicle within twenty-four hours].
* Subs. by Act 54 of 1994, sec. 42, for "without unnecessary delay" (w.e.f. 14-11-2023).