Amendment status not verified — confirm the current text below against the official source.
Punishment for living on the earnings of a beggar.- (l) 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 sub- section, 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 THE HIMACHAL PRADESH PREVENTION OF BEGGARY ACT, 1979 5 person is aiding, abetting or compelling him to beg; 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.