163. Whoever abets the desertion of any officer, soldier, sailor or airman, in the Army, Navy or Air Force of the Government of India, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Section 163: Abetment of desertion of soldier, sailor or airman
Chapter VIII — Of Offences Relating to the Army, Navy and Air Force
Source: official text of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Ministry of Home Affairs).