44. Restrictions respecting rights to form association, freedom of speech, etc.
(1)No member of the Assam Fire Service Force under this Act shall, without the previous sanction in writing of the State Government or of the prescribed authority-(a)be a member of, or be associated in any way with any trade union, labour unions, political association or with any class of trade unions;(b)be a member of, or associated in any way with any society, institution, association or organisation not recognised as part of the Force or is not of a purely social, recreational and/or religious nature; or(c)communicate with the press or publish or cause to be published any book, letter or other document except where such communication or publication is of a purely literary, artistic or scientific character or is of a prescribed nature.Explanation. - (1) If any question arises as to whether any society institution, association or organisation is of a purely social, recreational or religious nature under clause (b) of this sub-section the decision of the State Government or prescribed authority shall be final.(2)No member of the Force shall participate in or address public meeting or take part in any demonstration or strike organised by any political purposes or for any other purpose affecting discipline of the Force or other purposes as may be prescribed.(3)Any member of the Force who contravenes the provisions of this section shall, without prejudice to any to other action that may be taken against him, be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees or with both.(4)Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Act 2 of 1974) an offence under this section shall be cognisable and bailable.
