Cognizance of criminal cases

(1) Any person who wishes to institute a criminal case before a Panchayat shall make a complaint orally or in writing to the Sarpanch, and in his absence to any Panch and shall at the same time pay the fee prescribed in Schedule III: Provided that if the court-fee stamp is not available at the place where the Panchayat ordinarily sits, an equivalent amount in cash shall be paid. (2) If the complaint is made orally, such particulars as may be prescribed shall be recorded by the Sarpanch or the Panch, as the case may be. (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) a Panchayat shall be competent to take cognizance suo moto of cases falling under sections 323, 334, 386, 426, 447, 448, 504 and 510 of the Indian Penal Code, and under sections 3 and 4 of the Punjab Juvenile Smoking Act, 1918, (or any other Act for the time being in force).