Compensation for false and frivolous or vexatious information.

(1) If in any case in which a complaint has been made by any person under section 23 the magistrate after such inquiry as he deems necessary is of opinion that such information was false and either frivolous or vexatious, may for reasons to be recorded in writing direct that compensation for such an amount not exceeding Rs. 500 as he may determine be paid by such informer to the person against whom the information was laid. (2) Before making any order for the payment of compensation, the magistrate shall call upon the informer to show cause why he should not pay compensation and shall consider any cause which such informer may show. (3) The magistrate may by the order directing payment of the compensation further order that in default of payment the person ordered to pay such compensation shall suffer simple imprisonment for a period of thirty days. (4) When any person is imprisoned under sub-section (3) the provisions of sections 68 and 69 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, shall, so far as may be, apply. (5) No person who has been directed to pay compensation under this section shall by virtue of such order be exempted from any civil or criminal liability in respect of the information given by him but any amount paid as compensation shall be taken into account in any subsequent civil suit relating to such matter. (6) An informer who has been ordered to pay compensation exceeding Rs. 50 may appeal from the order as if such informer had been convicted on a trial held by the magistrate directing the payment of compensation. (7) When an order for the payment of compensation is made in a case which is subject to appeal under sub-section (6) the compensation shall not be paid to the person ordered to receive it before the period allowed for the presentation of the appeal has elapsed or if an appeal is presented before the appeal has been decided and where such order is made in a case which is not subject to appeal the compensation shall not be paid before the expiration of one month from the date of the order.