Merchant Shipping Act, 1951 (Act No. 57 of 1951)

Before a ship is detained by a proper officer under the provisions of section two hundred and forty-three in consequence of a complaint, he shall assure himself by all means at his disposal that the complaint is not vexatious, frivolous or unreasonable, and if he thinks fit so to do, he may, except where the complaint is made by three or more of the members of the crew of the ship, require the complainant to give security to his satisfaction for the expenses of the inspection and any loss which may be sustained by the owner on account of the detention of the ship.