Section 26. Unqualified persons not to sign documents

26. Unqualified persons not to sign documents.— (1) No person other than a member of the Institute shall sign any document on behalf of a[8] [chartered accountant in practice] or a[9] [firm of such chartered accountants] in his or its professional capacity. 10[(2) Any person who contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) shall, without prejudice to any other proceedings, which may be taken against him, be punishable on first conviction with a fine not less than[11] [one lakh rupees] but which may extend to[12] [five lakh rupees], and in the event of a second or subsequent conviction with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine not less 13[two lakh rupees] but which may extend to 14[ten lakh rupees] or with both.]