Cap. 124 Art. 9Penaltiesinrespect of false information maliciously given, and exemption from penalties in respect of false information given in good faith.

(1) A patient found by a special practitioner to be suffering from a venereal disease who gives information as to the person from whom the patient suspects that the disease was contracted, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe the information so given to be false in a material particular, shall be guilty of an offence under this Act, and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine

(multa) of not less than forty-six euro and fifty-nine cents (46.59)

but not exceeding two hundred and thirty-two euro and ninety-four cents (232.94) or to imprisonment for a term of from one to three months or to both such fine and such imprisonment. Proceedings for an offence under this subsection shall not be taken except with the consent of the Attorney General who shall, as far as he considers proper in each case, seek to obtain the prior concurrence of the person to whose detriment the false information was given.

(2) If any information as aforesaid is given in good faith, it shall, for the purpose of the law relating to defamation, be deemed to have been communicated in pursuance of a statutory duty.