Penalty for not handing over documents, moneys to the newly elected Sarpanch or Upa-Sarpanch of a Gram Panchayat.

(1) Any person who having been the Sarpanch, Temporary Sarpanch or Upa-Sarpanch of a Gram Panchayat fails to handover any documents of, or any moneys or other properties vested in, or belonging to, the Gram Panchayat, which are in, or have come into, his possession or control, to his successor in office or other prescribed authority,-

(i) in every case, within a period of thirty days from the expiry of his term of office as such Sarpanch, Temporary Sarpanch or Upa-Sarpanch; and

(ii) in the case of person, who was the Upa-Sarpanch also within a period of thirty days on demand by the Sarpanch shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend upto six months or with fine not exceeding Rs. 5,000 or with both, for every such offence.

(2) Any person who is convicted under sub-section (1) fails to handover any documents of, or any moneys or other properties vested in, or belonging to the Gram Panchayat, which are in or have come into his possession or control, to his successor in office, shall be punishable for each day after conviction during which he continues to persist the offence with a fine not exceeding Rs. 100.

(3) In cases falling under sub-sections (1) and (2) the Court may, apart from ordering conviction for the offence, under the seizure of the documents, moneys or other properties of the Gram Panchayat from the person convicted.