Under a certain Act, an offence is stated to be “punishable with imprisonment.” Explain what the term imprisonment means as per the General Clauses…

As per section 3 (27) of the General Clauses Act, 1897, the term imprisonment means imprisonment of either description as defined in the Indian Penal Code. Under the Indian Penal Code, imprisonment is of two types: 1. Rigorous imprisonment – imprisonment with hard labour, and 2. Simple imprisonment – imprisonment without hard labour. Therefore, when an Act provides that an offence is punishable with imprisonment, the Court may, in its discretion, award either rigorous or simple imprisonment.