Grant and renewal of licences

(1) Every application for the grant or renewal of a pawnbroker’s licence shall be in writing and shall be made to the prescribed licensing authority. (2) The grant or renewal of a licence shall not be refused except on any of the following grounds, namely:— (a) that the applicant is of bad character; Explanation.—If any evidence of bad character is adduced against the applicant, he shall be given an opportunity of rebutting such evidence; (b) that the shop or place at which he intends to carry on the business of a pawnbroker or any adjacent house or shop or place, owned or occupied by him, is frequented by persons of bad character, or (c) [XXX] (3) Any person aggrieved by an order refusing the grant or renewal of a licence may, within the prescribed time, appeal to the prescribed authority. (4) Every licence shall be granted or renewed in such form and subject to the conditions specified in section 4A and such other conditions as may be prescribed. (5) Every application for the grant or renewal of a licence, shall be accompanied by a fee at the following rates:— (a) if the place at which the business is to be carried on is not more than one. Rupees five thousand (b) if the business is to be carried on at more than one place. Rupees five thousand for the principal place of business and Rupees two thousand five hundred for each of the other places. Provided that where an application is made after the expiry of the period prescribed by rules in respect of such application, it shall be accompanied by an additional license fee at fifty percent of the rate specified above. However, application submitted after expiry of the Licence shall not be entertained. (6) The fee payable under this section shall be paid in the manner prescribed and shall not be refunded, notwithstanding the fact that the grant or renewal of the licence is refused or the application is withdrawn.