Composition of offences

(1) The market committee 1[or any officer or servant

person who has committed or is reasonably suspected of having committed an offence (other than such offences as may be prescribed) against this Act or the rules or bye-laws, by way of composition of such offence,-

1. (a) where the offence consists of the failure to pay or the evasion of any fee, or other amount recoverable under this Act or the rules or the bye-laws, in addition to the fee or other amount so recoverable, a sum of money not exceeding five hundred rupees or 2[three times the amount] of the fee or other amount whichever is greater; and
2. (b) in other cases, a sum of money not exceeding five hundred rupees.

1. (2) On the composition of any offence under sub-section (1), no proceeding shall be taken or continued against the person concerned in respect of such offence, and if any proceedings in respect of that offence have already been instituted against him in any court the composition shall have the effect of his acquittal.

¹ Inserted by Act 35 of 1986 w.e.f.17.6.1986

² Substituted by Act 35 of 1986 w.e.f.17.6.1986