Section 16. Offences and penalties.

(1) Whoever contravenes any of the provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder shall, on conviction,- (a) for the first offence, be punishable with the fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees or twice the amount taken in excess of the fee as determined under this Act, whichever is higher ; (b) for the second or subsequent offence, be punishable with the fine which shall not be less than two lakh rupees but which may extend to ten lakh rupees or twice the amount taken in excess of the fee as determined under this Act, whichever is higher or with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three months but which may extend to six months. (2) The person convicted under this section shall refund the excess fee to the student from whom it was collected in contravention of this Act. (3) The person who repeatedly contravenes the provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder shall be ineligible for holding official post in any management or school, as the case may be.