If any person intending--
         (a) to prevent or obstruct the transmission or delivery of any message, or
         (b) to intercept or to acquaint himself with the contents of any message , or
         (c) to commit mischief,
         damages, removes, tampers with or touches any battery, machinery, telegraph line, post or other thing whatever, being part of or used in or about any telegraph or in the working thereof,
     he shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.