s 17J Offence relating to nationality of governing body members, etc.
17J.—(1) A religious group commits an offence if —(a) by the end of the period specified in section 16D(8), the religious group fails to give the notice required under section 16D(8); and (b) the religious group permits an individual who is not a citizen of Singapore and not a Singapore permanent resident to act as a responsible officer of the religious group in contravention of section 16D(2). (2) A religious group commits an offence if —(a) by the end of the period specified in section 16E(8), the religious group fails to give the notice required under section 16E(8); and (b) the religious group permits half or more than half of the total number of seats in its governing body to be occupied or held by individuals who are not citizens of Singapore in contravention of section 16E(2). (2A) A religious group commits an offence if the religious group fails to comply with a direction under section 16D(3) or 16E(3).[Act 10 of 2025 wef 15/09/2026] (3) A religious group who is guilty of an offence under subsection (1) or (2) shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $500 for every day or part of a day during which the offence continues after conviction. (3A) A religious group who is guilty of an offence under subsection (2A) shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $1,000 for every day or part of a day during which the offence continues after conviction.[Act 10 of 2025 wef 15/09/2026] (4) In proceedings for an offence under subsection (1) or (2) in relation to a requirement to give a notice under section 16D(8) or 16E(8), it is a defence to the charge for the accused to prove, on a balance of probabilities, that the accused took all reasonable steps, and exercised all due diligence, to ensure that the requirement has been complied with. (4A) In proceedings for an offence under subsection (2A) in relation to a direction under section 16D(3) or 16E(3), it is a defence to the charge for the accused to prove, on a balance of probabilities, that the accused took all reasonable steps, and exercised all due diligence, to ensure that the direction has been complied with.[Act 10 of 2025 wef 15/09/2026] (5) An offence under subsection (1), (2) or (3) is a strict liability offence.[Act 31 of 2019 wef 01/11/2022] [Act 10 of 2025 wef 15/09/2026]