62. Vexatious search, seizure, detention or arrest or refusal of duty or cowardice on part of Excise Officer.
- Whoever, being an Excise Officer-(a)without reasonable grounds of suspicion, searches or causes to be searched any place, under colour of exercising any power conferred by this Act, or(b)vexatiously and unnecessarily seizes any property of any person on the pretext of seizing or searching for any article liable to confiscation under this Act, or(c)vexatiously and unnecessarily detains, searches or arrests any person, or(d)without lawful excuse ceases or refuse to perform or withdraws himself from the duties of his office, unless expressly and in writing allowed to do so by the Collector, or unless he shall have given to his immediate superior two months' notice in writing of his intention to do so, or(e)is guilty of cowardice;shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees or with both.
