Control of Prices Act, 1932

Offences in relation to price certificates.

37.—(1) Whenever a price (retail) certificate in force in relation to a scheduled commodity is duly served on any person who carries on any business by way of trade or gain, it shall not be lawful for such person to sell or offer for sale retail in the course or as part of such business at any place in the area to which such certificate applies any commodity to which such certificate applies at a price in excess of the price certified in such certificate.

(2) Whenever a price (wholesale) certificate in force in relation to a scheduled commodity is duly served on any person who carries on any business by way of trade or gain, it shall not be lawful for such person to sell or offer for sale wholesale in the course or as part of such business at any place in the area to which such certificate applies any commodity to which such certificate applies at a price in excess of the price certified in such certificate.

(3) If any person acts in contravention of this section such person shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof in the case of a first offence to a fine not exceeding five pounds, and in the case of a second or any subsequent offence to a fine not exceeding ten pounds, or, at the discretion of the Court, to imprisonment for any term not exceeding three months or to both such fine and imprisonment.

(4) In any proceeding for an offence under this section the production of a price (retail) certificate or a price (wholesale) certificate purporting to be signed by the Controller shall be primâ facie evidence that such certificate was validly made in all respects and was signed by the Controller.

(5) Proceedings for an offence under this section shall not be instituted by any person other than the Controller.