If an officer or other person to whom a writ of habeas corpus is directed neglects or refuses to:
(1) make return of the writ; or
(2) bring the body of the person detained —
according to the command of the writ, he shall forfeit to the person detained the sum of $500, and be liable to attachment and punishment as for a contempt.
(Dec. 23, 1963, 77 Stat. 584, Pub. L. 88-241, § 1.)
1981 Ed., § 16-1904.
1973 Ed., § 16-1904.