Offences and penalties

(1) Whoever – (a) without reasonable cause prevents or obstructs any officer of the State Government or of the local authority or of the Authority or the Commissioner or the Collector from carrying out functions under this Act; or (b) without reasonable cause refuses to comply with the direction given by an officer of the State Government or the Authority or the Commissioner or the Collector while carrying out his functions under this Act; or (c) falsely predicts the occurrence of a disaster without any scientific basis and thereby creates panic in the community; or (d) makes a false claim for assistance for reconstruction or repair from any officer of the State Government or Authority or the Commissioner or the Collector, shall on conviction be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees or both.