Bar on conferring, granting or issuing degree, diploma, certificate or an academic distinction

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other State law for the time being in force, no person or institution, other than the University or College or affiliated college, shall confer, grant or issue or hold himself or itself out as entitled to confer, grant or issue any degree, diploma, certificate or an academic distinction in the specialized area of knowledge assigned to it within territorial jurisdiction of the University which is identical or is a colourable imitation of any degree, diploma, certificate or an academic distinction conferred, granted or issued by the University. (2) The contravention of the provisions of sub-section (1) shall be an offence punishable with imprisonment up to three years or with fine up to Rs. 5,000 or with both and shall also be dealt with, in such manner, as may be prescribed. (3) Where an offence under this section has been committed by an institution, every person incharge of, or responsible for the conduct of its business at the time of the commission of the offence, shall be liable to be proceeded against in accordance with Sub-section (2). (4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (2), where an offence under this section has been committed by a company, firm or an association of persons and it is proved that the offence has been committed with the consent or connivance of, or that the commission of the offence is attributable to any neglect on the part of any partner, director, manager, secretary or other officer of the company, firm or an association of persons, such partner, director, manager, secretary or other officer shall be liable to be proceeded against in such manner, as may be prescribed.