309

1. No eviction or distress shall be made during the period of military service in respect of any premises occupied chiefly for dwelling purposes by a person in military service or the spouse, children, or other dependents of a person in military service, except upon leave of court granted upon application therefor or granted in any action or proceeding affecting the right of possession. 2. On any such application or in any such action the court may, in its discretion, on its own motion, and shall, on application, unless in the opinion of the court the ability of the tenant to pay the agreed rent is not materially affected by reason of military service, stay the proceedings for not longer than six months, as provided in this article, or it may make such other order as may be just. 3. Any person who shall knowingly take part in any eviction or distress otherwise than as provided in subdivision one of this section, or attempts so to do, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be punishable by imprisonment not to exceed one year or by fine not to exceed one thousand dollars, or both.