KARACHI, Dec 28: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad promulgated on Saturday an ordinance banning extortion and forced donation.

The ordinance to be called the Sindh Eradication and Curbing the menace of involuntary donation or forced Chanda Ordinance, 2002 shall come into force at once.

In the ordinance, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context:

(a) “donor” means an individual, a group of individuals, an institution, or a corporate body;

(b) “Doorstep” includes a residential or commercial premises, business office, factory, shop, including market premises and vendors push carts;

(c) “fund” includes donation or contribution whether in money or kind;

(d) “Government” means the Government of Sindh;

(c) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules.

According to the ordinance, no involuntary fund or forced Chanda (donation) shall be collected from a donor and collection of funds by any person at the doorstep of a donor is prohibited.

Any fund or forced chanda collected in contravention of the provisions of the ordinance shall be forfeited to government.

Any person contravening the provisions of the ordinance shall be punished with simple imprisonment which may extend to three months and with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees.

According to the ordinance, no court shall take cognizance of an offence under the ordinance, except upon a complaint in writing by a donor.

The government may make rules for carrying out the purpose of the ordinance. — APP