Section 25

proof of the fitting of any mechanical or other means, or the removal of any essential part or connection, to, from or of any apparatus which would facilitate the dishonest abstraction, consumption or use of gas shall, as against the person fitting or removing it, or causing it to be fitted or removed, or having control of the apparatus, be prima facie evidence of the dishonest abstraction, consumption or use; and

the existence of artificial means for altering the index of any meter, or the existence of artificial means for the removal of any part of any apparatus for the purpose of preventing any meter or instrument from duly registering the quantity of gas supplied or for the purpose of dishonestly abstracting, consuming or using gas, shall, until the contrary is proved, be evidence that alteration, prevention, abstraction, consumption or use, as the case may be, has been fraudulently, knowingly and wilfully caused by the consumer using that meter or instrument and the person having control of the installation where it is fixed, or that the consumer or person has abetted the offence of that alteration, prevention, abstraction, consumption or use, as the case may be.

Compounding of offences 26.―(1) The Director or any officer authorized by the Director by notification in the Gazette, may, subject to regulations made under section 32, compound any offence committed under this Ordinance or regulations made hereunder by accepting from any person who has committed such offence a sum not exceeding one half of the maximum amount of the fine provided for the offence.

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All sums of money received under this section shall be credited to the State Consolidated Fund.

Extension of power to Regulator on enforcement