Without any qualifying word, to a Magistrate shall be construed as a reference to a (n)_

(1) In this Code, unless the context otherwise requires, any reference-

(a) without any qualifying word, to a Magistrate, shall be construed as a reference to a Judicial Magistrate;

(b) with a qualifying word not being a word clearly indicating a Judicial Magistrate shall be construed as a reference to a Magistrate as indicated in sub-section (2) (b);

(c) to a Sub-divisional Magistrate shall be construed as a reference to-

(i) the District Magistrate if the functions exercisable are of the nature specified in clause (b) of sub-section (2); or

(ii) the Chief Judicial Magistrate or as the case may be, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, if the functions exercisable are of the nature specified in clause (a) of sub-section (2);

(d) to an Assistant Sessions Judge, shall be construed as a reference to a joint Sessions Judge;

(e) to any area which is included in a Metropolitan area, shall be construed as a reference to such Metropolitan area;

(f) to any reference to a Magistrate of the first, second, or third class in relation to an area that is included in a Metropolitan area, shall be construed as a reference to the Metropolitan Magistrate exercising jurisdiction in that area;

(g) to a Magistrate of the first, second, or third class in relation to an area outside a Metropolitan Area, shall be construed as a reference to a Judicial Magistrate of the first, second, or third class exercising jurisdiction in that area.

(2) Where, under any law for the time being in force other than this Code, the functions exercisable by a Magistrate relate to matters-

(a) which involve the appreciation or sifting of evidence or the formulation of any decision which exposes any person to any punishment or penalty of detention in custody pending investigation, inquiry or trial, or other proceeding or would have the effect of sending him for trial before any Court, they shall subject to the provision of the Code, be exercisable by a judicial Magistrate; or

(b) which are administrative or executive in nature, such as the granting of a license, the suspension or cancellation of a license, sanctioning a prosecution, or withdrawing from a prosecution, they shall, subject as aforesaid, be exercisable by an Executive Magistrate.