Any person who, after the commencement of this Act, performs, permits, takes part in, or abets the performance of, any ceremony or act for dedicating a woman as a devadasi or any ceremony or act connected therewith shall on conviction be 5 punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years and with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees:
Provided that where the person referred to in this section is the parent or guardian or a relative of the woman so dedicated, he shall be punishable with imprisonment of either description which may extend to five years but which shall not be less than two years and with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees but which shall not be less than two thousand rupees.
Explanation.- A person referred to in this section shall include the woman in respect of whom such ceremony or act is performed.