Penalties for failing to appear before the Gram Panchayat

If any person who is summoned by a Gram Panchayat by a written order to appear, to give evidence or to produce any document before it, willfully disobeys such summons or notice or order, the Gram Panchayat may make a complaint to the Magistrate having jurisdiction and the said person shall be punishable with fine which may extend to Rs. 25: Provided that no women shall be compelled to appear in person before the Gram Panchayat, and she may be examined on commission in the manner prescribed: Provided further that if a document is produced in obedience to a summon issued under this section, the Gram Panchayat shall cause the document to be copied, mark the copy, after comparing with the original, to be true copy and return the original document to the person producing the same.