Clause 175 - Insertion of new sections 54A and 54B.

Penalty for noncompliance with summons and information: monetary sanction by issuing authority after hearing and possible defence.

New section 54A imposes a monetary penalty for failure to comply with a summons under section 19(1) or to furnish information under section 21, to be imposed by the issuing authority only after affording an opportunity of being heard and subject to discharge if good and sufficient reasons for non compliance are proved. New section 54B allows entries in an authority's records or documents to be admitted in evidence in prosecutions under section 3 or Chapter VII, proved by production of originals or certified copies by the custodian.