[17. Penalty for contravention by Government Department.—
(1) Where contravention of any
provision of this Act has been committed by any Department of the Central Government or State
Government, the Head of the Department shall be liable to penalty equal to one month of his basic salary:
Provided that he shall not be liable for such contravention, if he proves that the contravention was
committed without his knowledge or instructions or that he exercised all due diligence to prevent such
contravention.
(2) Where any contravention under sub-section
(1) is attributable to any neglect on the part of, any
officer, other than the Head of the Department, he shall be liable to penalty equal to one month of his
basic salary:
Provided that he shall not be liable for the contravention, if he proves that he exercised all due
diligence to avoid such contravention.
