Punishment for award of disproportionately excessive compensation

Whoever, being an officer empowered under any law or by an order, or otherwise directed to assess or award compensation for acquisition of property, dishonestly with a malafide intention— (i) assesses or awards compensation which is excessive so as to be grossly disproportionate to the market value of the property so acquired, or in violation of any direction of law for the time being in force, prescribing the mode of calculation of compensation, or, (ii) assesses or awards compensation for the non-existent or fictitious property or to a fictitious person; shall be punished with imprisonment of either description which may extend to three years or with fine or both. (1) In the discharge of his duty for management of land, the Collector may confer upon one or more officer sub-ordinate to him or any other officer whose services may be placed at the disposal of the Collector by the State Government, such power or authority as may be necessary for proper management, protection and preservation of the property and wherever necessary, for the collection of rents and profits, for bringing defending any suit or prosecution or any other legal proceedings for management, protection and preservation of the property. (2) The Collector may in addition appoint any agent, servant or watchman for due management, protection and preservation of the property. (3) The officers, agent, servant and watchman shall be paid such remuneration, allowances or commission as the case may be, and at such rates, as may be approved by the State Government by general or special order.