False report

Any person who knowingly gives or causes to be given a false report of the out-break of a fire to any person authorised to receive such report by means of a statement, message or otherwise shall be punishable with a simple imprisonment which may extend to two months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both. 4[12-A. Cognizance of offences.- No Court shall take cognizance of an offence under this Act, except on the complaint of or upon information received from the Chief Fire Officer or any other officer authorised by him in this behalf.

12-B. Jurisdiction.- No Court inferior to that of a Judicial Magistrate

of 1st Class shall try any offence punishable under this Act.

12-C. Officers to be public servant.- Every officer acting under this

Act shall be deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of section 21 of Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860)].

¹ Substituted for the words “three months” vide H.P. Act No. 16 of 2000.

² Substituted for words “five hundred” vide H.P. Act No. 16 of 2000.

3. Section “11-A” inserted vide H.P. Act No. 16 of 2000. 4. Sections 12-A, 12-B and 12-C inserted vide H.P. Act No. 16 of 2000.

GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS