Section 21:
Punishment for contravention of section 3.
(1) Any deposit taker who solicits deposits in
contravention of section 3 shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less
than one year but which may extend to five years and with fine which shall not be less than two lakh
rupees but which may extend to ten lakh rupees.
(2) Any deposit taker who accepts deposits in contravention of section 3 shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than two years but which may extend to seven years
and with fine which shall not be less than three lakh rupees but which may extend to ten lakh rupees.
(3) Any deposit taker who accepts deposits in contravention of section 3 and fraudulently defaults
in repayment of such deposits or in rendering any specified service, shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three years but which may extend to ten years
and with fine which shall not be less than five lakh rupees but which may extend to twice the amount
of aggregate funds collected from the subscribers, members or participants in the Unregulated Deposit
Scheme.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this Act,—
(i) the expression “fraudulently” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in section 25 of
the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860);
(ii) where the terms of the Deposit Scheme are entirely impracticable or unviable, the terms
shall be relevant facts showing an intention to defraud.
Notes: