Imposition of collective fines on the residents of an area

(1) (a) If it appears to the State Government that the residents or any class or sub-class of residents of any area are concerned with the commission of such offences or are abetting the commission of such offences as result in or are likely to result in death or grievous hurt or loss or damage to property or kidnapping for extortion or ransom, or are harbouring persons concerned with the commission of such offences, or are not providing full assistance to their ability in detecting or capturing the criminals or are shielding or concealing evidence relevant to the commission of such offences, then the State Government, by notification, may impose collective fine on the residents or the class or sub-class of residents of that area. (b) The order imposing a collective fine under clause (a) shall be published in at least one such newspaper having circulation in the concerned area and in such other manner as the State Government deems most appropriate to bring the order to the information of the residents of the concerned area. (2) The State Government or any such officer, who is empowered in this behalf by the State Government by general or special order, may exempt any such resident or any class or sub-class of such residents from the liability to pay such fine or any part thereof. (3) The District Magistrate, after conducting such inquiry as he deems necessary, shall apportion such fine among the residents who are collectively liable to pay the fine and such apportionment shall be made according to the decision of the District Magistrate regarding the respective means of such residents. (4) While making apportionment, the District Magistrate may determine the portion that shall be paid by any...