Offences and penalties

(1) Whoever, contravenes any of the provisions of this Act, shall be punishable with penalty as mentioned in the third column of the Table provided in sub-section (2). (2) The classification of offences for contravention of the provisions of this Act and the corresponding penalties therefor shall be as provided in the following Table, namely:— [Table of offences for Sections 8, 14(1), 18(1), 19(1), 24(3), 27, 28(2), 29, 30, 32(1), 34(2), 35, 40(1) and (4), 44, 47, 48, 49 and 50(1), 51(2), 52(2) and (3), 53(4), 54(2) and (5), 55(4), 57, 58(2), 66, 74(2), 79(2), 80, 82, 83, 97, 102 as printed in the Act]. (3) Any person who acts in contravention of the provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder, but for which an offence is not specifically provided in this Act, shall be punishable with fine not exceeding Rs. 3,00,000 or with imprisonment up to a term which may extend to three years, or with both. (4) Where the owner or master of any mechanically propelled inland vessel is convicted of an offence under this Act or any rule made thereunder, committed on board, or in relation to that mechanically propelled vessel, and is sentenced to pay a fine, the Magistrate who passes the sentence may direct the amount of the fine to be levied by distress and sale of the mechanically propelled vessel, or its appurtenance so much thereof as is necessary. (5) Where an inland vessel has been used in contravention of the provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder, the details of the offence, the offender and the vessel shall be recorded in such form and manner, as may be specified by the Central Government by notification. (6) The State Government shall appoint courts not inferior to that of a Magistrate of the first class, for the purpose of conducting trial of any person who is charged of any offence as provided under this Act or the rules made thereunder.