📜 Official Text

(1) If no fine amount is specified, the fine is unlimited but must not be excessive. (2)-(3) A Court sentencing someone to a fine may also order imprisonment (in excess of any other sentence) if the fine isn't paid, capped at one-fourth of the maximum imprisonment term for that offence. (5) For fine-only or community-service offences, default imprisonment is simple and capped at 2 months (fines up to ₹5,000), 4 months (up to ₹10,000), or 1 year (otherwise). (6)-(7) Default imprisonment ends once the fine is paid/levied (proportionally, if partially paid); unpaid fines can be levied within 6 years (or the sentence length, if longer), and the offender's death doesn't discharge their estate's liability for it.