(7)If any such person as is referred to in sub-section (6) of section 209 fails to take all reasonable steps to secure compliance by the company, as respects any accounts laid before the company in general meeting, with the provisions of this section and with the other requirements of this Act as to the matters to be stated in the accounts, he shall, in respect of each offence, be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to [ten thousand rupees] [ Substituted by Act 53 of 2000, Section 98, for " one thousand rupees" (w.e.f. 13.12.2000).], or with both:Provided that in any proceedings against a person in respect of an offence under this section, it shall be a defence to prove [* * *] [ The words " that he had reasonable ground to believe and did believe" omitted by Act 65 of 1960, Section 62 (w.e.f. 28.12.1960).] that a competent and reliable person was charged with the duty of seeing that the provisions of this section and the other requirements aforesaid were complied with and was in a position to discharge that duty:Provided further that no person shall be sentenced to imprisonment for any such offence, unless it was committed wilfully.
