(1) Where an offence underthisAct has been committed by a company, every person who, at the time the offence was committed was incharge of, and was responsible to the company, for the company, shall be deemed to be guilty ol the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly :
Provided that nolhing conlained in this subsection shall render any such person liable to any punishment il he proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge or that he had exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission ol such offence.
(2) Not withstanding anything conlained in sub-section (1), where an offence under this Act has been committed with consent or connivance ol or is attributable to any neglect on the part ol any Director, Manager, Secretary or other Ollicer ol the Company, such Director, Manager, Secretary or other Otficer shall also be deemed to be guilty ol the oftence and shall be liable to be proceeded against accordingly.
General provision ior punishment ol other oflences.
Penalty lor serving in an unlicensed and unregistered health establishment- Oflences by companies.
Court competent to try of- Ience under this Acl and take cognizance ol offences.
Offence under lhis Act except sections 16 and 17 to be co ngnizable.
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Explanation-
(a) For the purpose of this section, company means a body corporale and includes a Iirm ol other associalion ol individuals; and :
(b) 'Directoa in relation to a firm means partner in the firm.
19. No Court other lhan that of a Judicial Magistrate the First Class shall take cognizance of or try ollence under this Act.
20. AII offences punishable under this Act except otFences under seclions 16 and 17 shall be cognizable.