Punishment for cruelty to children.

(1) Whoever having the actual charge of or control over a child abandons, exposes or wilfully neglects, or ill-treats or assaults such child in a manner likely to cause such child unnecessary suffering or injury to his health shall be punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to Rs. 200 or with both. (2) For the purposes of this section injury to health includes injury to, or loss of, sight or hearing and injury to limb or organ of the body and any mental derangement and a parent or other person legally liable to maintain a child shall be deemed to have neglected him in a manner likely to cause injury to his health if he wilfully fails to provide adequate food, clothing, medical aid or lodging for the child. (3) A person may be convicted of an offence under this section notwithstanding that actual suffering injury to health was obviated by the action of another person. (4) Nothing in this section shall be construed to take away or effect the right of any parent, teacher or other persons having the lawful control or charge of a child to administer punishment to such child.