187. Punishment for certain actions.

187. If a bankruptcy trustee,—

(a) has fraudulently misapplied, retained or accounted for any money or property comprised in the estate of the bankrupt; or

(b) has wilfully acted in a manner that the estate of the bankrupt has suffered any Loss in consequence of breach of any duty of the bankruptcy trustee in carrying out his functions under section 149, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, which shall not be less than three times the amount of the loss caused, or likely to have been caused, to persons concerned on account of such contravention, or with both:

Provided that where such loss or unlawful gain is not quantifiable, the total amount of fine imposed shall not exceed five lakh rupees:

Provided further that the bankruptcy trustee shall not be liable under this section if he seizes or disposes of any property which is not comprised in the estate of the bankrupt and at that time had reasonable grounds to believe that he is entitled to seize or dispose that property.