Section 17: Attempt to commit offence, etc.

(1) A person who attempts to commit any of the offences specified in section 15 of this Act is guilty of an offence and liable, on conviction to the same punishment as is prescribed for the full offence under section 16 of this Act.
(2) Where a person is charged with any of the offences specified in this Act, but the evidence establishes an attempt to commit that offence, he may be convicted of having attempted to commit that offence although the attempt is not separately charged and shall be liable to the same punishment as is prescribed for the offence under section 16 of this Act.
(3) Where a person is charged with an attempt to commit an offence under this Act, but the evidence establishes the commission of the full offence, the person shall not be acquitted but shall be convicted of the offence and be liable to the same punishment as is prescribed for the offence under section 16 of this Act.
(4) Where, in respect of an act which is an offence under this Act, the Court is satisfied that a person, not being a person charged with an offence under this Act-
(a) acted in concert or conspired with any person; or
(b) knowingly took part to any extent whatsoever in the commission of an act constituting an offence specified in this Act,
the Court shall have power to treat the person in like manner as a person charged with an offence under this Act and shall proceed against him accordingly notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any other enactment.