Prohibition from begging for alms

Prohibition from begging for alms.-(1) whoever, in any street or public place within the limits of a Municipality to which the provisions of this section may be applied by the State Government, by notification, begs for alms, or exposes or exhibits any sore or wound or any deformity disease or bodily ailment with the object to exacting or extorting alms, shall be punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to fifty rupees, or with both.

1. (2) If the Court finds that a person has committed an offence punishable under sub-section (1), it may, if in its opinion the person is unable to earn a livelihood owing to physical infirmity or debility, or is otherwise a fit person to be committed to a poor-house, in lieu of passing, a sentence, order that he may, be committed to a poor-house maintained by the Corporation or approved by the Government, for such term and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by byelaws made under this Act: Provided that no such order shall be made without giving the person in charge of the poor-house an opportunity to submit objections and be heard in support of them if he so desires.
2. (3) If the person committed to a poor-house under sub-section (2) escapes from it or commits a breach of any conditions subject to which he was committed to the poor-house, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees or with both.
3. (4) If the Court finds that the person who has committed an offence punishable under sub-section (1) was not born within the limits of the city or has not been continuously resident therein for more than one year, it may, in lieu of passing a sentence or order referred to in the aforesaid sub-sections by order in writing direct the said person to leave the said limits within such time and by such route or routes as may be stated in the order and not to return thereto without the permission in writing of the District Magistrate. If the said person fails to comply with the order within the time specified therein, the Court may cause the said person to be removed beyond the limits of the City under such escort as it may direct.
4. (5) If the said person returns within the limits of the City without the permission of the authority specified in sub-section (4) he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees or with both.
5. (6) Until and during the trial, a person accused of an offence under this section, may be detained either in custody under section 344 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 or in a poor-house according as the Court may, from time to time, direct.
6. (7) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (V of 1898), an offence punishable under this Section shall be cognizable.