(1)

Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (2) of section 10, the Central Government may, in making any rule under section 4, 5, 7, 8, 8Aor section 8B,provide for imposition of penalty not exceeding rupees one crore for the contravention of any rule for which no other punishment has been provided elsewhere in theAct, or in the rules made thereunder, for such contravention.

(2)

The Central Government may, by an order published in the Official Gazette, appoint such number of officers not below the rank of Deputy Secretary to the

Government of India or equivalent, as it considers necessary, to be designated officers for adjudging penalty under sub-section (1), in such manner as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules.

(3)

The Central Government may, while appointing designated officers under sub-section (2), also specify their jurisdiction in that order.

(4)

Where the designated officer is satisfied that any contravention of the provisions of the rules has been committed by any person, he may , by an order in

writing, impose penalty on such person stating the nature of contravention, the provision of rules which has been contravened and the reasons for imposing such

penalty:

Provided that the designated officer shall, before imposing any penalty, give a reasonable opportunity of being heard to such person.

(5)

Any person aggrieved by an order made under sub-section (4) may prefer an appeal to an appellate officer having jurisdiction in the matter who is next higher in rank to the designated officer who has passed such order.

(6)

Every appeal under sub-section (5) shall be filed within thirty days from the date on which the copy of the order made by the designated officer is received by the aggrieved person and shall be in such form and manner, and be accompanied by such fees, as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules.

(7)

The appellate officer may, after giving the parties to the appeal an opportunity of being heard, pass such order as he thinks fit, confirming, modifying or setting aside the order appealed against.