Section 43A: Adjudication of penalties

(1) For the purposes of adjudging the penalties under [sections 26A and 43,]

the Central Government shall authorise the President of the State council, Where the alleged violation is committed, to be the adjudicating officer for holding an inquiry and impose penalty in the manner as may be prescribed under section 18, after giving any person concerned a reasonable opportunity of being heard.

(2) Whoever is aggrieved by any order of the adjudicating officer may prefer an appeal to the President, Central Council, within a period of forty-five days from the date of receipt of such order in such form and manner as may be prescribed under section 18.

(3) The President, Central council may entertain an appeal after the expiry of forty-five days, if it is satisfied that the appellant was prevented from sufficient cause for filling the appeal within the said period.

(4) No appeal shall be disposed of unless the appellant has been given a reasonable opportunity of being heard.

(5) An appeal under sub-section (2) shall be disposed of within ninety days from the date of filing.

(6) The amount of penalty imposed under sub-section (1), if not paid, may be recovered as an arrear of land revenue.