17. Vexatious search, seizure, etc., by Excise Officer. -

(1) Any office exercising powers under, this Act or, under the rules made thereunder who -

(a) without reasonable ground of suspicion searches or causes to be searched any place, conveyance or vessel;

(b) vexatiously and unnecessarily detains, searches or arrests any person; (c) vexatiously and unnecessarily seizes the movable property of any person on pretence of seizing or searching for any article liable to confiscation under this Act;

(d) commits, as such officer, any other Act to the inquiry of any person without having reason to believe that such Act is required for the execution of his duty,shall, for every such offence, be punishable with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees.

(2) Any person wilfully and maliciously giving false informations and so causing an arrest or, a search to be made under this Act shall be punishable with imprisonment for, a term which may extend to two years, or with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees, or with both.