Definitions

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— (a) "begging" means— (i) soliciting or receiving alms in a public place, whether or not under any pretence such as singing, dancing, fortune-telling, performing or offering any article for sale; (ii) entering on any private premises for the purpose of soliciting or receiving alms; (iii) exposing or exhibiting, with the object of obtaining or extorting alms any sore, wound, injury, deformity or disease, whether of a human being or of an animal; (iv) allowing oneself to be used as an exhibit for the purpose of soliciting or receiving alms; (b) "beggar" means any person found begging; (c) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act; (d) "public place" includes any railway carriage, carriage or vessel and any other place to which the public have or are permitted to have access; (e) "receiving centre" means a centre established under section 3 for the reception of beggars; (f) "Sada Vart" means an institution formed for the purpose of distribution of alms. (Clause 2(b) Explanation—Nothing in items (i) to (v) above shall apply to soliciting or receiving money or food or gifts for such purposes as may be prescribed by the State Government.)