Trial of offences and special provision regarding fine

(1) No court inferior to that of a Magistrate of the first class shall be competent to try any offence punishable under this Act. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 32 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, (5 of 1898) it shall be lawful for any Magistrate of the first class to pass a sentence of fine exceeding the pecuniary limit specified in that section as in force in any part of Himachal Pradesh on any person convicted of an offence punishable under this Act.