Chapter IX OFFENCES AND PENALTIES

If any trustee, officer, priest, representative or any other person concerned with the administration of the Char Dham Devasthanams covered under the Act- (a) Refuses or wilfully fails to comply with the provisions of this Act or the rules or the orders and directions made there under, or has been negligent in his/her duties or obstructs any proceedings taken or would be taken under this Act; or (b) Refuses or wilfully fails to furnish any report, statement, accounts or other information called under this Act or the Rules made thereunder or; (c) Wilfully misbehaves, abuses, the pilgrims / yatri, or causes breach of tranquillity of peace in and around the religious Devasthanam; he shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to three month or with fine which may extend to Rs. 10,000, or with both.

Every offence punishable under this Act shall be non cognizable and bailable.

Every offence punishable under this Act shall be triable by Judicial Magistrate of First class. No court shall take cognizance regarding the offence mention in section 37 and 38 unless a written complaint is filled by the CEO or the person specially authorized by him/her in this behalf.