276. Short sentences of imprisonment are seldom, if ever, suitable as punishment for offences against property and, except where the offender is a well to-do person guilty of an offence of any anti-social character e.g., profiteering in commodities in short supply, who is unlikely to be deterred from a repetition of the offence by even a heavy tine, should as far as possible be avoided in other cases. A short period of imprisonment increases the probability that a casual offender may become a habitual offender. If a moderately long sentence of imprisonment is not justified, it should be possible to apply the provisions of Section 562 of the Code or to punish with fine or, in suitable cases with whipping. The imposition of short sentences of imprisonment is a matter to which inspecting officers should pay special attention.
