Section 33. Restrictions respecting rights to form association, freedom of speech etc.

(1) No member of the Meghalaya Fire and Emergency Service under this Act shall, without the previous sanction in writing of the State Government - (a) be a member of, or associated in any way with any trade union, labour union, political association or with any class of trade unions; (b) be a member of, or associated in any way with any society , institution, association or organization not recognized as part of the service or is not a purely social, recreational or, religious nature; or (c) communicate with the press or publish or cause to be published any book, letter or other document except where such communication or publication is of a purely literary, artistic or scientific character. Explanation: - If any question arises as to whether any society , institution, association or organization is of a purely social, recreational or religious nature under clause (b) of this subsection, the decision of the State Government shall be final. (2) No member of the service shall participate in or address any public meeting or take part in any demonstration or strike organized by any political p arty or for any other purpose affecting discipline of the Services or other purposes as may be prescribed. (3) Any member of the service who contravenes the provisions of this section shall, without prejudice to any other action that may be taken against, be punishable with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to two years or with fine, which may extend to ten thousand rupees or with both. (4) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Act 2 of 1974) an offence under this section shall be cognizable and bailable.