Section 22 of The Northern Indian Ferries Act, 1878
Every such lessee or other person as aforesaid and any person in possession of a private ferry asking or taking more than the lawful toll, or without due cause delaying any person, animal, vehicle or other thing, shall be punished with fine which may extend to one hundred rupees.
Summary
- This section penalizes two distinct forms of misconduct: charging more than the lawful toll, and causing unreasonable delays.
- It applies to lessees and authorized toll collectors of public ferries, as well as any person in possession of a private ferry.
- It is an offence to ask for or take more than the legally allowed toll amount.
- It is also an offence to delay any person, animal, vehicle, or other thing crossing the ferry without a good reason.
- Violators are punished with a fine that can extend up to one hundred rupees.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Who is subject to punishment under this section?
Both public ferry operators (lessees and toll collectors) and anyone in possession of a private ferry can be punished under this section.
2. What are the two main offences under Section 22?
Charging more than the lawful toll (unauthorized toll) and delaying people, animals, or cargo without a valid reason.
3. What is the maximum penalty for taking unauthorized tolls or causing delay?
The punishment is a fine that can go up to one hundred rupees.
4. Does this section apply to delays caused by bad weather or river currents?
No, the text penalizes delaying "without due cause." If there is a legitimate safety reason, such as bad weather, it would not be a violation.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 22 of The Northern Indian Ferries Act, 1878, what is the maximum fine that can be imposed for asking or taking more than the lawful toll?
Q2.Which of the following individuals can be held liable under Section 22 of The Northern Indian Ferries Act, 1878, for overcharging?
Q3.Under Section 22 of The Northern Indian Ferries Act, 1878, which of the following is considered an offence?
Q4.Suppose a public ferry lessee charges a passenger seventy rupees instead of the lawful toll of ten rupees. Under Section 22 of The Northern Indian Ferries Act, 1878, what is the maximum statutory fine the court can levy on the lessee?