Section 15. Penalty for obstruction of authorised officers.

If any person-- (a) intentionally obstructs any authorised officer in the exercise of any powers conferred under this Act; or (b) fails to afford reasonable facilities to the authorised officer or his assistants to board the vessel or to provide for adequate security to such officer and assistants at the time of entry into the vessel or when they are on board such vessel; or (c) fails to stop the vessel or produce the licence, permit, log book or other document or any fish, net, fishing gear or other equipment on board such vessel, when required to do so by the authorised officer, he shall be punishable 1[with fine not exceeding rupees thirty-five lakh for vessels of less than twenty-four meters overall length and rupees seventy-five lakh for vessels of twenty-four metres or more overall length].