Section 4 in Himachal Pradesh Prevention of Beggary Act, 1979
4. Punishment for living on the earnings of a beggar.
(1)A person over the age of 18 years who knowingly lives, wholly or in part, on the earnings of a beggar shall be punishable on first conviction with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.(2)In the event of a second or subsequent conviction of an offence under this section a person shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term of not less than three months and with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees:Provided that in the case of conviction for an offence under this subsection, for special and adequate reasons to be mentioned in the judgement of the court, a sentence of less than three months' imprisonment may be passed.(3)Where any person is proved(a)to be living with or to be habitually in company of, a beggar; or(b)to have exercised control, direction or influence over the movements of a beggar in such a manner as to show that such person is aiding, abetting or compelling him to be; or(c)to be acting as a tout on behalf of a beggar; or(d)to be employing or causing any person to beg; or(e)to have connived or encouraged the employment of a child, whose custody, charge, or care is with such a person, for begging ; or(f)to have used another person as an exhibit for the purpose of begging;it shall be presumed, until contrary is proved, that such person is knowingly living on the earnings of a beggar within the meaning of this section.
