Indian Penal Code, 1860
137. Deserter
concealed on board merchant vessel through negligence of master
The master or person
in charge of a merchant vessel, on board of which any deserter from the Army, 76[Navy
or Air Force] of the 53[Government of India] is concealed, shall,
though ignorant of such concealment, be liable to a penalty not exceeding five
hundred rupees, if he might have known of such concealment but for some neglect
of his duty as such master or person in charge, or but for some want of
discipline on board of the vessel.