48. Punishment.- (1) 1* * Panchayat may on conviction-
(a)sentence the accused to a fine not exceeding one hundred rupees or if given enhanced powers under this Act, to a fine not exceeding two hundred rupees or double the value of the damage or loss caused by his act, whichever is greater:Provided that no fine shall exceed the maximum fine prescribed by law for that offence;(b)discharge him after due admonition;(c)require him to execute within such time as the 1* * Panchayat may fix, a bond with or without sureties, of an amount not exceeding one hundred rupees, binding himself that he will not be again guilty of any offence triable by the 1* * Panchayat for any period not exceeding twelve months; or(d)where in the opinion of the 1* *Panchayat, he is under eighteen years of age, require his father or his guardian to execute within such time as the 1* * Panchayat may fix, a bond, with or without sureties of an amount not exceeding one hundred rupees, binding himself to prevent such offender from committing any offence triable by the 2* * Panchayat for any period not exceeding twelve months.(2)The amount of any bond taken under clauses (c) and (d) of the foregoing sub-section if forfeited, shall be recoverable by the 3* * Panchayat as if it were a fine imposed by itself and if the accused or his father or his guardian, as the case may be, fails to execute such a bond within the time fixed, the accused shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one hundred rupees.(3)Where a 3* * Panchayat imposes a fine under the provisions of this section and such fine is not paid as required, it shall record an order declaring the amount of fine imposed and that it has not been paid, and shall forward the same to the nearest 4[Judicial Magistrate], who shall proceed to execute it as if it were an order passed by himself, and such 4[Judicial Magistrate] may also sentence the accused to imprisonment in default of payment.
