Report No. 42

159. Amendment of section 382.-

In section 382 of the Code, for the words "ten years" the words "seven years" shall be substituted.

160. Insertion of new section 385A.-

After section 385 of the Code the following section shall be inserted, namely.-

"385A. Blackmail.-Whoever dishonestly threatens any person with the making or publication of any imputation which is likely to harm his reputation or the reputation of any other person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Explanation.-Where the threat is of accusation of the commission of an offence it is immaterial whether the accusation is true or false."