The factory inspector in Kolkata issued a notice to my factory, can he shut it down without a court order?

A factory inspector derives powers from the Factories Act, 1948, and the West Bengal Premises Tenancy Act 1997 rules for enforcement in your state. The inspector can issue improvement notices for violations of safety, health, and welfare provisions, and if not complied with, can prosecute the occupier before a magistrate in Kolkata.

The Calcutta High Court has held that an inspector cannot seal a factory without following the procedure under Section 10 of the Act, which requires a certificate from a competent medical practitioner in case of imminent danger. The inspector can take samples, examine registers, and require production of documents.

The occupier has a right to appeal against an inspector's order before the Appellate Authority notified by the state. The factory cannot be shut down summarily except where there is a grave and imminent threat to human life.