Penalty for failure to furnish declaration

(1) Where a person required by section 66 to furnish a declaration,—

(a) fails without reasonable cause so to do within the time specified in that section, or

(b) furnishes a declaration which he knows or has reason to believe it to be false, the Tahsildar shall issue a notice to such person asking him to show cause within fifteen days of the service thereof why a penalty which may extend to Rs. 500 may not be imposed on him. Where no reply is filed or where a reply is filed the Tahsildar is satisfied that the person has without reasonable cause failed to furnish the declaration within time or has submitted the declaration knowing or having reason to believe it to be false, he may, by order, impose the said penalty and require such person to furnish a true and correct statement complete in all particulars, within a period of one month from the date of service of the order.

(2) If such person fails to comply with the order within the time granted, the right, title and interest of such person in the land held to the extent in excess of the ceiling area shall, by way of penalty, be forfeited to the State Government and shall thereupon vest in the State Government.