law: 162. Applications for variation of rent, by whom to be entertained.-
  (1) Save as provided in sub-sections (2) and (3), all applications for commutation, abatement, enhancement or determination of rent shall be made to, and heard and decided by, the sub-divisional officer who shall submit the record of the case for confirmation of the order passed by him to the collector.
  (2) When any area is under rent-rate operations, or when rent-rates have been determined under this Act for any area, or accepted under the proviso to section 124 and such area is placed under record operations, all such applications relating to such area shall be filed in the court of the rent-rate officer or the record officer, as the case may be.
  (3) If such application is heard and decided by the rent-rate officer or the record officer, the record of the case shall be submitted for the confirmation of the order passed by him to the Chief Commissioner.