Section 7. Penalty.

(1) If any member of the Home Guards, on being called out under section 4, without 1[reasonable excuse], neglects or refuses to obey such order or, to discharge his functions as a member of the Home Guards, or to obey any lawful order or direction given to him for the performance of his duties, he shall on conviction be punishable with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months or with fine which may extend to two hundred and fifty rupees or with both. 2[(1A) If any member of the Home Guards wilfully neglects or refuses to deliver up his certificate of appointment or of office or any other article, in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (1) of section 6A, he shall, on conviction, be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month or with fine which may extend to one hundred rupees or which both.] (2) No proceedings shall be instituted under sub-section (1) 3[or (1A)] without the previous sanction of the Commandant. (3) A police officer may arrest without warrant any person who commits an offence punishable under sub-section (1) 4[or (1A)].