Section 873. Enforcement

Whenever the attorney general shall believe from
  evidence satisfactory to him  that  any  person,  firm,  corporation  or
  association  or  agent or employee thereof has violated any provision of
  this article, he may bring  an  action  or  special  proceeding  in  the
  supreme court for a judgment enjoining the continuance of such violation
  and  for  a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars for each
  violation. If it shall appear  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  court  or
  justice  that  the defendant has violated any provision of this article,
  no proof shall be required that any person has been injured thereby  nor
  that  the  defendant knowingly or intentionally violated such provision.
  In  such  action  preliminary  relief  may  be  granted  under   article
  sixty-three  of the civil practice law and rules. In connection with any
  such proposed application, the attorney general is  authorized  to  take
  proof,  issue  subpoenas  and administer oaths in the manner provided in
  the civil practice law and rules.