FIELD FIRING AND ARTILLERY PRACTICECentral

Section 12 of The Manoeuvres, Field Firing and Artillery Practice Act, 1938

If, during any period specified in a notification issued under sub-section (2) of section 9, any person within a notified area--

(a)wilfully obstructs or interferes with the carrying out of field firing or artillery practice, or
(b)without due authority enters or remains in any camp, or
(c)without due authority enters or remains in any area declared to be a danger zone at a time when entry thereto is prohibited, or
(d)without due authority interferes with any flag or mark or target or any apparatus used for the purposes of the practice, he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to ten rupees.

Summary

This section lists the illegal acts and punishments related to field firing and artillery practice.
These rules only apply during the periods specified in an official notification issued under sub-section (2) of section 9.
It is an offence to intentionally obstruct or interfere with the carrying out of field firing or artillery practice.
It is an offence to enter or stay in any military camp without proper permission.
It is an offence to enter or remain in a declared danger zone when entry to it is prohibited.
It is an offence to tamper with any military flags, targets, marks, or equipment used for the practice.
Anyone who commits these offences can be punished with a fine of up to ten rupees.

Practical examples

1In December 1941, during a scheduled artillery practice session, a villager named Haris ignores the warning signs and walks into a valley declared as a danger zone while live shooting is happening. Since Haris entered the prohibited danger zone without authority, he can be fined up to ten rupees under this section.

2An angry local resident named Karim goes onto the practice range in August 1940 and knocks down a wooden target used by military gunners. By interfering with a target used for the practice without authority, Karim has committed an offence and can be fined up to ten rupees.

FAQ

1. What is the maximum fine for committing an offence under Section 12?

The maximum fine is ten rupees.

2. During what periods do the offences listed in Section 12 apply?

They apply during any period specified in a notification issued under sub-section (2) of section 9.

Test yourself

Q1.Under Section 12, what is the maximum fine that can be imposed?

Q2.Which of the following is an offence specifically listed under Section 12(c) that is not in the general manoeuvres section?

Q3.During which periods do the offences listed in Section 12 apply?

Q4.Which of the following items is protected from unauthorized interference under Section 12(d) but is not mentioned in the general manoeuvres section?

Q5.What is the legal consequence under Section 12 if someone wilfully interferes with the carrying out of field firing?

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