18. Failure of excise officers on duty.-

Any excise officer who ceases or refuses to perform, or withdraws himself from, the duties of his office, unless he had obtained the express written permission of his superior officer or has given such superior officer two months' notice in writing of his intention or has other lawful excuse, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to three months' pay, or with both.