Section 4 — Punishment for living on the earnings of a beggar.

4. Punishment for living on the earnings of a beggar.- (l) A person over 

the age of 18 years who knowingly lives, wholly or in part, on the earnings of a 

beggar shall be punishable on first conviction with imprisonment for a term which 

may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand 

rupees, or with both. 

(2) In the event of a second or subsequent conviction of an offence under 

this section a person shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term of not less 

than three months and with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees: 

Provided that in the case of conviction for an offence under this sub-

section, for special and adequate reasons to be mentioned in the judgement of the 

court, a sentence of less than three months' imprisonment may be passed. 

(3) Where any person is proved- 

(a)  to be living with or to be habitually in company of, a beggar; or 

(b)  to have exercised control, direction or influence over the 

movements of a beggar in such a manner as to show that such 



THE HIMACHAL PRADESH PREVENTION OF BEGGARY ACT, 1979 5 

person is aiding, abetting or compelling him to beg; or 

(c)  to be acting as a tout on behalf of a beggar; or 

(d)  to be employing or causing any person to beg; or 

(e)  to have connived or encouraged the employment of a child, 

whose custody, charge, or care is with such a person, for begging 

; or 

(f)  to have used another person as an exhibit for the purpose of 

begging; 

it shall be presumed, until contrary is proved, that such person is 

knowingly living on the earnings of a beggar within the meaning of this section.