Section 40, Local Courts Act, 1963

(1) Any person who shall— (a) within the area of the jurisdiction of any duly constituted Local Court exercise or attempt to exercise judicial powers, otherwise than in accordance with the provisions of any Act; or (b) sit as a member of such Court without due authority, shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be liable to a fine not exceeding twenty-five pounds or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to both such fine and such imprisonment. (2) No prosecution under this section shall be instituted without the consent in writing of the Judicial Adviser. [Margin: Exacting excessive fees.]