“Officer” under the Act means:

This question clarifies who is empowered to act under the Act. Legal acts designate specific authorities for their enforcement. Under the Punjab Prevention of Hoarding Act 2020, an "Officer" is defined as the Deputy Commissioner or any other officer authorized by the Government. This indicates that the primary enforcement authority rests with the Deputy Commissioner, with the flexibility for the government to delegate powers to other suitable officers. "District Police Officer," "Assistant Commissioner only," or "Magistrate only" are incorrect as they do not fully capture the designated authority as per the Act's definition.