22. Penalty for recovering rent in excess of the fair rent.

(1) Whoever knowingly — (a) receives, whether directly or indirectly, any sum on account of the rent of any house or shop in excess of the fair rent; or (b) receives, whether directly or indirectly, or invites offers or asks for, any premium, pugree, fine or any other like imposition in addition to the fair rent; or (c) receives, whether directly or indirectly, any sum as rent in advance in excess of one month's rent without the written consent of the Controller, shall, on the complaint of the party aggrieved or of the Government, to the Controller, be liable — (1) in the case referred to in clause (a), on the first occasion, to a fine which may extend to five times the amount recovered in excess of the fair rent, and on a second or subsequent occasion in regard to the same or any other house or shop, to a fine which may extend to ten times the amount of such excess; (ii) in the case referred to in clause (b), on the first occasion, to a fine which may extend to one thousand rupees and on a second or subsequent occasion in regard to the same or any other house or shop, to a fine which may extend to two thousand rupees; and (iii) in the case referred to in clause (c), on the first occasion, to a fine which may extend to twice the amount received in excess of one months rents and on a second or subsequent occasion in regard to the same or any other house or shop, to a fine which may extend to four times the amount so received; to be imposed, in each case after enquiry, by the Controller. (2) A person shall also be deemed to receive a sum in excess of the fair rent under clause (a) of sub-section (1), if he receives any form of consideration having money value as part of rent and the total rent (bus received is in excess of the fair rent