278A. Punishment for second and subsequent offences.

If any person convicted of an offence under section 276B or section 276BB or sub-section (1) of section 276C or section 276CC or section 276DD or section 276E or section 277 or section 278 is again convicted of an offence under any of the aforesaid provisions, he shall be punishable for the second and for every subsequent offence with ³⁷[simple] imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to ³⁸[three] years and with fine.