Section 15. Correspondence, etc., with offenders.

Any person subject to this Act, who,-- (a) treacherously holds correspondence with, or communicates intelligence to, an offender; or (b) wilfully fails to make known to the proper authorities any information he may have received from an offender; or (c) assists the offender in any manner; or (d) having been captured by an offender, voluntarily serves with or aids him, shall, on conviction by a Coast Guard Court, be liable to suffer imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years or such less punishment as is in this Act mentioned. Explanation.--For the purposes of this section, "offender" includes-- (a) all armed mutineers, armed rebels, armed rioters, pirates and any person in arms against whom it is the duty of any person subject to this Act to take action ; and (b) any person or persons engaged in smuggling, unlawful exploration or exploitation or any other unlawful activity in the maritime zones of India.