Penalties

(1) Whoever obtains a community certificate by,-

(a) furnishing false information; or

(b) filing a false statement; or

(c) by suppressing material facts and relevant evidence pertaining to his caste or tribal status; or

(d) any other fraudulent means,

shall, on conviction, be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend upto two years and with fine which shall not be less than Rs. 1,000 but which may extend upto Rs. 5,000:

Provided that the Court may, for adequate and special reasons to be recorded in the judgment, impose a sentence of imprisonment for a lesser term or fine.

(2) Whoever furnishes false information regarding his personal details of caste or tribal status, to the Expert Agency in an enquiry under section 9 or to the scrutiny committee in an enquiry under section 11 or causes any obstruction in such an enquiry proceeding, by preventing the Expert Agency or the Scrutiny Committee from collecting the facts or evidence regarding his personal and caste or tribal status, or tries to frustrate, prevent or interfere in any way with the process of the enquiry, shall on conviction be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three months but which may extend upto six months and with fine which shall not be less than Rs. 500 but which may extend upto Rs. 1,000.