धारा 317 · Transparency of charges

(1) The Central Government, in such circumstances as it may, by notification, specify in this behalf, require every service provider or agent in respect of any Indian vessel or other vessel operating in coastal waters in relation to import, export or domestic transportation, to specify in the Bill of Lading or any other transport document, all charges to be paid by an exporter, importer, consignor or consignee in India, subject to the terms and conditions for the specification of such charges and the issuance of the Bill of Lading or any other transport document, as may be specified in that notification:

Provided that the charges to be paid by such exporter, importer, consignor or consignee shall include both fixed and conditional charges:

Provided further that no service provider or agent shall levy any charges other than charges specified by him in the Bill of Lading or any other transport document.

(2) If the service provider or agent fails to specify the charges under sub-section (1) or levies any charges other than the charges specified by him in the Bill of Lading or any other transport document, he shall be liable to penalty which may extend to five lakh rupees.

(3) The authority for imposing the penalty under sub-section (2) shall be such officer as the Central Government may, by notification, specify in this behalf.

(4) Any person aggrieved by the order of imposition of penalty under this section may prefer an appeal in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed, before such officer as the Central Government may, by notification, specify:

Provided that no order under this section shall be passed without giving the person a reasonable opportunity of being heard.