136.—Every person subject to military law—

(a) who, being aware of the desertion or intended desertion of a person, does not without reasonable excuse inform his superior officer forthwith, or

(b) who fails to take any steps in his power to cause the apprehension of a person known by him to be a deserter,

is guilty of an offence against military law and shall, F120[where a charge under this section is disposed of summarily under section 177C, 178C or 179C, as the case may be, be liable to suffer any punishment awardable thereunder or,] on conviction by court-martial, be liable to suffer imprisonment F121[for any term not exceeding two years] or any less punishment awardable by a court-martial.