Surcharge.

(1) If in the course of an audit, inquiry, inspection or the winding up of a co-operative society, it is found that any person who is or was entrusted with the organisation or management of such society, or who is or has at any time been an officer or an employee of the society, has made any payment contrary to the provisions of this Act, the rules or the bye-laws or has caused any deficiency in the assets of the society by breach of trust, or wilful negligence or has misappropriated or fraudulently retained any money or other property belonging to the society, the Registrar may, of his own motion or on the application of the committee, liquidator, or any creditor, inquire himself or direct any person authorised by him, by an order in writing in this behalf, to inquire into the conduct of such person : Provided that no such inquiry shall be held after the expiry of six years from the date on which any act of commission or omission referred to in this sub-section comes to knowledge. (2) Where an inquiry is made under sub-section (1), the Registrar may, after giving the person concerned an opportunity of being heard, make an order requiring him to repay or restore the money or property or any part thereof with interest at such rate, or to pay contribution and cost or compensation to such extent, as the Registrar may consider just and equitable. (3) This section shall apply notwithstanding that the act is one for which the offender may be criminally responsible.