The Court of First Instance, at the instance of the Secretary of Justice, shall have power to order the removal, closure or suppression, for its being a public nuisance, any junkyard which he finds is not complying with the requisites required of it by this chapter. For these purposes no previous sentence for violation of §§ 971o and 971p of this title shall be necessary. In the proceeding instituted to the effect the Secretary of Justice shall have, among others, power to take the necessary measures, in accordance with the circumstances of each case, for the protection of the public welfare and order; to decree the immediate removal of the junkyard and, likewise to leave without effect the already decreed removal, if it is shown that, without intent of invasion, the junkyard will be operated in compliance with law. In case the removal of a junkyard ordered by the court is not complied with, the Secretary or his agent may seize it and dispose through public auction of the junk stored therein. Should the junk be sold at public auction, the proceeds of the sale shall be covered into the general funds of the Government. If it cannot be sold at public auction, the Secretary may dispose of said junkyard in the public interest.
History —June 27, 1966, No. 125, p. 390, § 14, renumbered as § 13 on Feb. 11, 1987, No. 1, p. 3, § 7, eff. 90 days after Feb. 11, 1987.