(1)A criminal case before a Gram Panchayat shall be instituted on a complaint in writing and on payment of fee prescribed in Schedule III by presenting it in person to the Sarpanch, and in his absence, to any Panch or by sending it by registered post to the Gram Panchayat :Provided that if the court fee stamp is not available at the place where the Gram Panchayat ordinarily sits or at the place from where the complaint is sent an equivalent amount may be paid in cash or sent to the Gram Panchayat by money order.(2)The particulars of the complaint shall be recorded by the Secretary of the Gram Panchayat in the register prescribed for the purpose.(3)Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), a Gram Panchayat shall be competent to take cognizance suo moto of cases falling under sections 160, 228, 264, 277, 289, 290, 294, 510 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and under sections 3 and 4 of the Punjab Juvenile Smoking Act, 1918.
