54A. Possession or dealing with thing stolen or fraudulently obtained
(1)Whoever has in his possession, or conveys in any manner, or offers for sale or pawn, anything which there is reason to believe to have been stolen or fraudulently obtained, shall, if he fails to account for such possession or act to the satisfaction of the Magistrate, be liable to fine which may extend to one hundred rupees, or to imprisonment with or without hard labour, for a term which may extend to three months.(2)If any person charged under sub-section (1) in respect of anything declares that he received such thing from some other person, or that he was employed as a carrier, agent or servant to convey such thing for some other person.the Magistrate, after such further inquiry (if any) as he may deem necessary, may summon such other person, and any former or pretended purchaser or other person through whose possession such thing is alleged to have passed, to appear before him, and may examine such person and any witness, who are produced to testify to such receipt, employment or possession; and if it appears to the Magistrate that any such person had possession of such thing and had reasonable cause to believe that it was stolen or fraudulently obtained, the Magistrate may punish him with fine which may extend to one hundred rupees, or with imprisonment, with or without hard labour, for a term which extend to three months.
