Whoever, except as hereinafter excepted, knowing or having reason to believe that an officer, soldier, 8[sailor or airman], in the Army, 9[Navy or Air Force] of the [Government of India], has deserted, harbours such officer, soldier, 8[sailor or airman], shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine or with both.
Exception.—This provision does not extend to the case in which the harbour is given by a wife to her husband.