Penalty for obstructing inspectors exercising powers or discharging duties, etc.

Any person who wilfully obstructs an Inspector in the exercise of his powers or discharge of his duties under this Act or fails to produce for inspection on demand by an Inspector any document maintained in pursuance of the provision of this Act or the rules made thereunder or to supply to him on demand true copies of any such document, shall on conviction, be punishable—

(a) for the first offence, with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to Rs. 500, or with both; and

(b) for a second or subsequent offences, with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to Rs. 1,000, or with both;

Provided that in the absence of special and adequate reason to the contrary to be mentioned in the judgement of the Court, in any case where the offender is sentenced to a fine only, the amount of fine shall not be less than Rs. 50.