Whoever wilfully obstructs an Inspector in the exercise of any power under section 37 or conceals any employee in an establishment from appearing before or being examined by an Inspector shall on conviction, be punished with fine which shall not be less than fifty rupees and may extend to two hundred and fifty rupees.
COMMENTS This section contemplates penalty for causing wilful obstruction to an Inspector in the exercise of his powers under section 37 of the Act. In other words, this section punishes every person who wilfully, (a) obstructs an Inspector in the exercise of his powers under section 37, or
(b) conceals any employee in an establishment from appearing before or being examined by an Inspector. But for launching prosecution under this section, it must be proved that the obstruction or concealment, as aforesaid, was wilful. There is no vicarious responsibility for an offence under this section and it is only the person who obstructs or conceals, is liable to be prosecuted under this section.