Restrictions respecting right to form association, freedom of speech, etc.

(1) No member of fire service shall, without the express sanction of the Government or of the prescribed authority,- (a) be a member of, or be associated in any way with, any trade union, labour union, political association or with any class of trade unions, labour unions or political associations; or (b) be a member of, or be associated in any way with, any other society, institution, association or organisation that is not recognised as part of the fire service of which he is a member or is not of a purely social, recreational or religious nature; or (c) communicate with the press or publish or, cause to be published any letter or other document except where such communication or publication is in the bonafide discharge of his duties or is of a purely literary, or artistic character or is of a prescribed nature. Explanation:- If any question arises as to whether any society, institution, association or organisation is of a purely social, recreational or religious nature under clause (b) of this sub-section, the decision of the Government thereon shall be final. (2) No member of fire service shall participate in, or address, any meeting or take part in any demonstration organised by any body of persons for any political purposes or for such other purposes as may be prescribed. (3) Any person who contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) shall without prejudice to any other action that may be taken against him, be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees or with both.