Section 23. Punishment for certain offences and non-compliances.

1[23. Punishment for certain offences and non-compliances.---(1) If any person,--- (a) obstructs or causes any impediment in taking possession or in the management and operation of the Schedule I coal mines by the Central Government or the designated custodian; or (b) destroys or misuses any mine infrastructure or coal stock; or (c) retains any property of such coal mine or removes or destroys it, he and any officer-in-default of the company shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine of one lakh rupees, and in the case of continuing failure, with fine of two lakh rupees for every day during which the offence continues or with both, depending upon the nature of the offence. (2) If any person fails to deliver to the designated custodian any books of account, registers or any other document in his custody relating to Schedule I coal mines and coal mining operations in respect of the management of which the designated custodian has been appointed he and any officer-in-default of the company shall be liable to penalty which may extend to one lakh rupees, and in the case of continuing failure, with penalty of which may extend to two lakh rupees for every day during which the failure continues: Provided that for a subsequent contravention, or for a contravention continuing beyond thirty days, he and any officer-in-default of the company shall, on conviction before a competent court, in addition to the penalty, be punishable with a fine of five lakh rupees or with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with both.]