(1) The master of a ship shall not discharge at any place in India a seaman or apprentice engaged outside India unless he previously obtains the sanction in writing of such officer as the Central Government appoints in this behalf; but such sanction shall not be refused when the seaman or apprentice is discharged on the termination of his service.
(2) Subject to the provisions contained in sub-section (1), the sanction under that subsection shall be given or withheld at the discretion of the officer so appointed, but whenever it is withheld, the reasons for so withholding it shall be recorded by him.