Penalties for neglect of duty etc.

(1) Without prejudice to the provisions contained in section 8, the act of wilfully neglecting or refusing or surrendered certificate of appointment or the arms, accoutrements, clothing and other articles furnished as required under sub-section (1) of section 18, or the act engaging himself without authority in any employment other than his duty as a member of the Forces, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months or fine shall not be less than Rs. 5,000 or with both. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, 1973, offence punishable under this section shall be cognizable. (3) Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prevent any member of the Force from being prosecuted under any other law for time being in force for an offence made punishable by that law, or for being liable under any such law to any other or higher penalty or punishment than is provided for such offence under this section : Provided that no person shall be punished twice for the same offence.