Section 53. For abetment of escape of persons arrested, etc.

Any officer or person who unlawfully releases or abets the escape of any person arrested under this Act, 1[x x x x] 2[or receives or retains any liquor or intoxicating drug in respect of which an offence has been committed, knowing or having reason to believe that such offence has been committed] or acts in any manner inconsistent with his duty for the purpose of enabling any person to do anything whereby any of the provisions of this Act may be evaded or broken or the Excise revenue may be defrauded, shall, on conviction before a 3[Judicial Magistrate] of the first class for every such offence be punished with fine which may extend to 4[five thousand rupees] or with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 5[one year], or with both.