565

Any person or publication that knowingly and maliciously makes, circulates or transmits to another, or to others, any statement, rumor or suggestion, whether written, printed, or by word of mouth, which directly or by inference discredits the financial condition of the Bank or any of its branches, or which affects its solvency or credit, or any person or publication that advises, aids, procures, or induces another to originate, transmit, or circulate any such statement or rumor, shall be guilty of a felony, and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500), or by confinement in the penitentiary for a term of not more than five (5) years, or by both penalties. History —Sept. 23, 1948, No. 17, p. 290, §§ 17, 22; Apr. 26, 1957, No. 3, p. 3, § 3.