Section 1: Abolition of the offence of wandering, etc.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Criminal Code, Penal Code (Northern States) Federal Provisions Act, Criminal Procedure Act, Criminal Procedure Code (Northern States) Act or any other enactment or law, as from the commencement of this Act-
(a)
a person shall not be accused of or charged with-
(i) the offence of wandering (by whatever name called); or
(ii) any other offence by reason only of his being found wandering (by whatever name called),
and, accordingly. any person accused of or charged with such offence shall be released or discharged, as the case may be, forthwith;
(b) a person who is accused of a simple offence shall not, by reason only of being accused of such offence, be detained in police or prison custody.