Section 4(1) in The Prevention Of Destruction And Loss Of Property Act, 1981
(1)If, after enquiry in the prescribed manner, the State Government is satisfied that the inhabitants of an area are concerned in, or abetting or instigating, the commission of an offence punishable under section 2 or harbouring persons concerned in the commission of the said offence or failing to render all assistance in their power to discover orapprehend the offender or offenders or suppressing material evidence of thecommission of such offence, the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, impose a collective fine on such inhabitants and apportion such fine amongst the inhabitants in such manner as may be prescribed:Provided that the fine so apportioned shall not be recovered from any of the inhabitants until the petition, if any, filed by him under sub-section (3) is disposed of.
