(9)If any such person, as is referred to in sub-section (6) of section 209, fails to take all reasonable steps to comply with the provisions of this section, he shall, in respect of each offence, be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to [ten thousand rupees] [ Substituted by Act 53 of 2000, Section 99, for " one thousand rupees" (w.e.f. 13.12.2000).], or with both:Provided that in any proceedings against a person in respect of an offence under this section, it shall be a defence to prove, [* * *] [ The words " that he had reasonable ground to believe, and did believe," omitted by Act 65 of 1960, Section 63 (w.e.f. 28.12.1960).] that a competent and reliable person was charged with the duty of seeing that the provisions of this section were complied with and was in a position to discharge that duty:Provided further that no person shall be sentenced to imprisonment for any such offence unless it was committed wilfully.
