- Under section 22(1) of the Village Self-Government Act, 1919, every chaukidar is bound to give information to the officer-in-charge of the police-station and to the president of the union board of every unnatural, suspicious or sudden death which may occur and any offence in Schedule II of the Act which may be committed within the union and must also keep the police informed of all disputes likely to lead to a riot or serious affray. If, however, by going first to the president he will be delayed in going to the police, he should send information to the president through another chaukidar or other person and shall himself proceed direct to the police-station. Chaukidars who delay to bring information of matters which require to be promptly reported render themselves liable to dismissal. Wilful omission to perform duties is punishable under sections 166, 170 and 202 of the Indian Penal Code.If it is manifest that there has been deliberate delay in reporting a serious occurrence or the likelihood of a serious breach of the peace or that information has been actually suppressed, the Superintendent will apply for the prosecution of the chaukidar concerned and instruct the Court officer to press for an exemplary punishment. Chaukidars, when travelling by road, should go at a rate of not less than 2V6 miles an hour.
