An officer or employee in the patent office shall not, except when required or authorised by this Act or under a direction in writing of the 2[Central Government or Appellate Board] or the Controller or by order of a court,—
(a)furnish information on a matter which is being, or has been, or dealt with under this Act 3***;
(b)prepare or assist in the preparation of a document required or permitted by or under this Act 3*** to be lodged in the patent office; or
(c)conduct a search in the records of the patent office.