Clause 248 - Offences by companies, etc.

Corporate liability: companies and responsible officers can be held criminally liable unless they prove lack of knowledge or due diligence.

Corporate criminal liability under the Code extends to the company and to persons in charge and responsible for its business at the time of the offence, who are presumed guilty unless they prove lack of knowledge or that they exercised all due diligence; officers who consented, connived or whose neglect caused the offence are likewise liable, and where imprisonment and fine are prescribed the company is fined while responsible individuals may be proceeded against and punished. 'Company' and 'director' are defined to include unincorporated bodies and Hindu undivided families and their relevant office holders.