(a)If any child under the age of 16 years is tortured or cruelly treated in any house, the head of the household shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to 5 years unless he proves -(ii)that he had no sufficient ground for suspicion that the child was being tortured or cruelly treated; or(ii)that as soon as the facts had come to his knowledge, he had forthwith informed the District Officer or the nearest police station.(b)Punishment for not caring etc., in manner compatible with statutes of parents etc. - If the arrangement for the care, maintenance and medical treatment of child such as is not compatible with the status of its parents and relations, the head of the household shall be punished with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees and in default of payment of fine with simple imprisonment which may extend to 3 months.(c)Punishment for taking part in commission of offence. - Every person of the house who takes part in torturing or cruelly treating (he child shall be similarly liable to the punishment as if he himself were the head of the household.
