107. Criminal powers of a bench of the Gram Katchahry.
(1)A bench of the Gram Katchahry shall, after hearing the parties and after considering the evidence adduced by the parties, record its decision in writing, and may sentence any offender convicted by it to pay a fine not exceeding one thousand rupees:Provided that if the members of the bench present during the trial of a case fail to come to a unanimous decision, the decision of the majority of such members shall be the decision of the bench :Provided further that in the case of equality of votes of the members of a bench present during the trial of a case, the Sarpanch shall have a second or casting vote and the decision of the bench shall be in accordance with such second or casting vote.(2)No sentence of imprisonment, simple or rigorous, whether substantive or in default of payment of fine shall be awarded by any bench.(3)When a bench imposes a fine under sub-section (1), it may, when passing the order, direct that the whole or any part of the fine recovered shall be applied in payment of compensation for any loss or injury caused by the offence.(4)When any person is sentenced by a bench of the Gram Katchahry, the bench shall, on the request of the person so sentenced , either in writing or orally, suspend the operation of such sentence for a period prescribed for filing appeal under this Act. A copy of the order passed by a Gram Katchahry or bench thereof shall be made available free of cost to the parties within one week from the date of passing of such order in the manner prescribed for this purpose.
