Penalty for offences in connection with encroachment

(1) No person, on or after the commencement of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Act, 1996 (Tamil Nadu Act 39 of 1996) shall occupy, otherwise than by lawful possession, any property belonging to a charitable or religious institution or endowment. (2) Whoever contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1), shall, on conviction, be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three months but which may extend to five years and with fine which may extend to Rs. 5,000. (3) No Court shall take cognizance of an offence punishable under sub-section (2) except on the complaint in writing of the Commissioner. (4) No offence punishable under sub-section (2) shall be inquired into or tried by any Court inferior to that of a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class.