34. Paddy lands should not be used for purposes other than agricultural cultivation

No person shall use an extent of paddy land for any purpose other than for agricultural cultivation except with the written permission of the Commissioner-General.

The Commissioner-General may at any time withdraw such written permission by notice served on such person having regard to the need to increase agricultural production or for the contravention of the conditions attached to such permission by the Commissioner-General.

If any extent of paddy land is used by any person in contravention of the provisions of subsection (1) such person shall be guilty of an offence under this Act.

Where the written permission under the provisions of subsection (2) has been withdrawn the extent of paddy land shall be restored, on or before a date specified by the

Any person who fails to so restore the land as required by subsection (4) shall be guilty of an offence under this Act, and shall after summary trial before a Magistrate be liable to a fine not exceeding twenty five thousand rupees and in default of payment of the fine shall be liable to imprisonment of either description for a period not exceeding three months.

Where the offence is continued after conviction the offender shall be liable to a fine of rupees one thousand for each day in respect of which such offence is continued after conviction. The fine so imposed shall be recovered in like manner as a fine imposed by Court and shall be credited to the Agrarian Development Fund.