78. Power to collect Statistics.-

(1) If the Commissioner considers that for the purposes of better administration of this Act it is necessary so to do, he may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct that statistics be collected relating to any matter dealt with, by or in connection to this Act.

(2) Upon such direction being made, the Commissioner or any person or persons authorized by him in this behalf may, by notification in the Official Gazette; and if found necessary by notice in any newspapers or in such other manner as in the opinion of the Commissioner or the said person, is best calculated to bring the notice to the attention of dealers and other person or persons, call upon all dealers or any class of dealers or persons to furnish such information or returns as may be stated therein relating to any matter in respect of which statistics are to be collected. The form in which, the persons to whom, or the authorities to which, such information or returns should be furnished, the particulars which they should contain, and the intervals in which such information or returns should be furnished, shall be such as may be prescribed.

(3) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provisions, the Government may by rules provide that every registered dealer or, as the case may be, any class of registered dealers shall furnish, in addition to any other returns provided for elsewhere, an annual return in such form, by such date and to such authority as may be prescribed and different provisions may be made for different classes of registered dealers.