Provided that the failure on the part of any member of the bench to sign the decision shall not affect the validity of such decision.

Criminal Jurisdiction - Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974) and subject to the provisions of this Act a bench of the Gram Katchahry shall have jurisdiction within the local limits of the Gram Panchayat for the trial of the following offences as well as abetment of and attempts to commit any such offence if committed within the local limits of its jurisdiction, namely :-

1. (a) offences under the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), sections 140, 142, 143, 145, 147, 151, 153, 160, 172, 174, 178, 179, 269,

277, 283, 285, 286, 289, 290, 294, 294A, 323, 334, 336, 341, 352,

356, 357, 358, 374, 403, 426, 428, 430, 447, 448, 502, 504, 506, 510;

1. (b) offences under the Bengal Public Gambling Act, 1867 (Ben. Act 2 of 1867);
2. (c) offences under sections 24 and 26 of the Cattle Trespass Act, 1871 (1 of 1871)
3. (d) except as otherwise provided offences under this Act; or under any rule or bye-law made there under, and
4. (e) any other offence under any other enactment, if empowered in this behalf by the Government: Provided further that the Gram Katchahry shall not take cognizance of any offence in respect of which any proceeding is pending before a court of competent jurisdiction prior to the coming into effect of this Act. Provided that the bench shall not take cognizance of any offence under section, 379, 380, 381 or 411 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860) in which the value of the property alleged to be stolen exceeds ten thousand rupees or in which the accused-
   • (i) has been previously convicted of an offence punishable under Chapter XVII of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860) with imprisonment of either description for a term of three years or up-wards; or
   • (ii) has been previously fined for theft by any bench of the Gram Katchahry;
   • (iii) has been bound over to be of good behaviour in proceedings

instituted under sections 109 or 110 of the Code of Criminal

Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974): Provided further that the Gram Katchahry shall not take cognizance of any offence in respect of which a complaint has been filed against the Gram Panchayat a Mukhiya or any other member of the Executive Committee, Sarpanch or a Panch.