Prisoners Act, 1900

17. Procedure where officer in charge of person doubts the legality of warrant sent to him for execution under this Part 

(1) Where an officer in charge of person doubts the legality of warrant or order sent to him for execution under this Part or the competency of the person whose official seal or signature is affixed thereto to pass the sentence and issue the warrant or order, he shall refer the matter to the 4[State Government] by whose order on the case he and all other public offence shall be guided as to the future disposal of the prisoner.

(2) Pending a reference made under sub-section (1), the prisoner shall be detained in such manner and with such restrictions or mitigation as may be specified in the warrant or order.