43. Cognizance of criminal cases.- (1) Any person who wishes to institute a criminal case before a 1* * Panchayat shall make a complaint orally or in writing to the Sarpanch, and in his absence to any, Panch and shall at the same time pay the fee prescribed in Schedule III;
Provided that if the court-fee stamp is not available at the place where the 2* * Panchayat ordinarily sits, an equivalent amount in cash shall be paid.(2)If the complaint is made orally, such particulars as may be prescribed shall be recorded by the 5 Sarpanch or the Panch, as the case may be.(3)Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) a Panchayat shall be competent to take cognizance suo moto of cases falling under sections 160, 228, 264, 277, 289, 290, 294, 510 of the Indian Penal Code, and under section 3 and 4 of the Punjab Juvenile Smoking Act, 1918, (XLV of 1860. VII of 1918)3[or any other Act for the time being in force.]
