Correct Answer:
C. One fourth of maximum punishment
Imprisonment in default of payment of fine is a supplementary punishment imposed when an offender fails to pay a fine. Legal systems, such as the Pakistan Penal Code, often set a limit on how long this imprisonment can be.
- One fourth of maximum punishment is the correct answer. According to Section 65 of the Pakistan Penal Code, the imprisonment awarded in default of payment of a fine shall not exceed one-fourth of the maximum term of imprisonment fixed for the offense.
- One half of maximum punishment and One third of maximum punishment are incorrect. These fractions represent a significantly longer period than legally prescribed, which aims to be a lesser, supplementary penalty.
- None of These is incorrect because option C accurately states the legal limit.