Section 438. Punishment for the mischief described in section 437 committed by fire or explosive substance

This section specifies that whoever commits mischief by fire or any explosive substance intending to cause, or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause, the destruction of any decked vessel or any vessel of a burden of twenty tons or upwards, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.