4[5. Penalty for unlawful possession of telegraph wires.-
Whoever is found or is proved to have been in possession of any quantity of telegraph wires shall unless he proves that the telegraph wires came into his possession lawfully, be punishable,-
5[(a) for the first offence, with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years, or with fine, or with both, and, in the absence of special and adequate reasons to be recorded in the judgment of the Court, the term of such imprisonment shall not be less than one year and such fine shall not be less than one thousand rupees;]
(b) for the second or a subsequent offence, with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years and also with fine and in the absence of special and adequate reasons 1[to be recorded in the judgment of the Court, the term of such imprisonment] shall not be less than two years and such fine shall not be less than two thousand rupees: Provided that where a person has made a declaration under section 3 in relation to any quantity of telegraph wires, the burden of proving, in respect of the quantity so declared that it came into his possession lawfully, shall not be on such person.]
Back
