Section 15 in The Bengal Suppression Of Terrorist Outrages Act, 1932
15. Imposition of collective fine on inhabitants of turbulent areas.
(1)Where it appears to the [State Government] [Words 'Provincial Government' first substituted for the words 'Local Government' by the Government of India (Adaptation of India Laws) Order, 1937, and thereafter the word 'State' substituted for the words 'Provincial' by Adaptation of Law Order, 1950.] that the inhabitants of any area are concerned in the commission of scheduled offences or are in any way assisting persons in committing such offences, the [State Government] [Words substituted for the word 'Calcutta Gazette' by the Government of India (Adaption of Indian Laws) 1937.] may, by notification in the [Official Gazette] [Word substituted for the word 'Calcutta Gazette' by the Government of India (Adaption of Indian Laws) 1937.] impose a collective fine on the inhabitants of that area.(2)The [State Government] [Words 'Provincial Government' first substituted for words 'Local Government' by the Government of India (Adaptation of India Laws) Order, 1937, and thereafter the word 'State' substituted for the words 'Provincial' by Adaptation of Law Order, 1950.] may exempt any person or class or section of such inhabitants from liability to pay any portion of such fine:Provided that such exemption shall not be based upon communal or racial considerations.(3)The District Magistrate, after such enquiry as he may deem necessary, shall apportion such fine among the inhabitants who are liable collectively to pay it, and such apportionment shall be made according to the District Magistrate's judgment of the respective means of such inhabitants.(4)The portion of such fine payable by any person may be recovered from him as a fine [or as a public demand] [Words substituted for the word 'recoverable' by Bengal Act 19 of 1932.] under the Bengal Public Demands Recovery Act, 1913.(5)The [State Government] [Words 'Provincial Government' first substituted for words 'Local Government' by the Government of India (Adaptation of India Laws) Order, 1937, and thereafter the word 'State' substituted for the words 'Provincial' by Adaptation of Law Order, 1950.] may award compensation out of the proceeds of a fine realised under this section to any person who, in the opinion of the [State Government] [Words 'Provincial Government' first substituted for the words 'Local Government' by the Government of India (Adaptation of India Laws) Order, 1937, and thereafter the word 'State' substituted for the words 'Provincial' by Adaptation of Law Order, 1950.], has suffered injury to person or property by the unlawful act of the inhabitants of the area.
