Monetary relief recovered in an action under section 15c(a)(1) of this title shall—

(1) be distributed in such manner as the district court in its discretion may authorize; or

(2) be deemed a civil penalty by the court and deposited with the State as general revenues;

(Oct. 15, 1914, ch. 323, § 4E, as added Pub. L. 94–435, title III, § 301, Sept. 30, 1976, 90 Stat. 1395.)