Section 16

The Code is amended by inserting after section 326 the following section:

“Punishment for causing hurt by spouse 326a.  Whoever, during the subsistence of a valid marriage, causes hurt to his spouse and commits an offence under section 323, 324, 325, 326, 334 or 335 shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of twice as long as the maximum term for which he would have been liable on conviction for that offence under the relevant section.”.