Section 38. Negligently obstructing aids to navigation or vessel traffic services.

(1) Whoever, negligently commits any act or omits to do any act, which results in obstruction of, or reduction in, or limitation of, the effectiveness of, any aid to navigation or vessel traffic service, shall be liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend up to three months or with fine which may extend up to fifty thousand rupees, or with both. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), no person shall be liable for punishment, if that. (a) act or omission was necessary to save a life or a vessel; and (b) such person took all reasonable steps to avoid the obstruction, reduction or limitation.