Section 31. Prohibition of practice except as provided in this Act.

(1) No person other than a registered paramedical practitioner whose name is entered in the State Register prepared and maintained under this Act shall practice as a 1[paramedical practicing personnel]. (2) Any person who contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) shall on conviction, be punished,- (a) for the first offence, with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and with fine which shall not be less than five thousand rupees but which may extend to ten thousand rupees; and (b) for a second or subsequent offence, with imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years and with fine which may extend to twenty-five thousand rupees. (3) All offences under sub-section (2) shall be cognizable and non-bailable.