Defence Act, 1954

• Permanent Page URL

Negligent or wilful interference with lawful custody.

145.—Every person subject to military law—

(a) who, without proper authority, sets free or authorises or otherwise facilitates the setting free of any person in custody, or

(b) who negligently or wilfully allows to escape any person who is committed to his charge, or whom it is his duty to guard or keep in custody, or

(c) who assists any person in escaping or attempting to escape from custody,

is guilty of an offence against military law and shall, on conviction by court-martial, be liable, in case he acted wilfully, to suffer penal servitude or any less punishment awardable by a court-martial and, in any other case, to suffer imprisonment or any less punishment awardable by a court-martial.