Section 26:
Unqualified persons not to sign documents.
(1) No person other than a member of the Institute shall sign any document on behalf of a 1[chartered accountant in practice] or a 2[firm of such chartered accountants] in his or its professional capacity.
3[(2) Any person who contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) shall, without prejudice to any other proceedings, which may be taken against him, be punishable on first conviction with a fine not less than 4[ one lakh rupees] but which may extend to 5[five lakh rupees], and in the event of a second or subsequent conviction with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine not less 6[two lakh rupees] but which may extend to 7[ten lakh rupees] or with both.]
Notes:
1. Subs. by Act 15 of 1959, s. 22, for chartered accountant (w.e.f. 1-7-1959).
2. Subs. by s. 22, ibid., for firm of chartered accountants (w.e.f. 1-7-1959).
3. Subs. by Act 9 of 2006, s. 23, for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 8-8-2006).
4. Subs. by Act 12 of 2022, s. 31, for "five thousand rupees" (w.e.f. 10-5-2022).
5. Subs. by s. 31, ibid., for "one lakh rupees" (w.e.f. 10-5-2022).
6. Subs. by s. 31, ibid., for "ten thousand rupees" (w.e.f. 10-5-2022).
7. Subs. by s. 31, ibid., for "two lakh rupees" (w.e.f. 10-5-2022).