Minimum Wages Act, 1948

22. Penalties for certain offences

Any employer who

(a) pays to any employee less than the minimum rates of wages fixed for that employee's class of work or less than the amount due to him under the provisions of this Act or

(b) contravenes any rule or order made under section 13;

shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees or with both :

Provided that in imposing any fine for an offence under this section the court shall take into consideration the amount of any compensation already awarded against the accused in any proceedings taken under section 20.