Section 9-14-12. Respondent's return to writ -- Statement of transfer of custody; procedure when transfer made to avoid writ

   If the return denies the custody or detention of the person in question, it shall further state distinctly the latest date, if ever, at which custody was had and when and to whom custody was transferred. If it appears that a transfer of custody was made to avoid the writ of habeas corpus, the party making the return may be imprisoned, in the discretion of the judge hearing the case, until the body of the party kept or detained is produced.

Orig. Code 1863, § 3920; Code 1868, § 3944; Code 1873, § 4020; Code 1882, § 4020; Penal Code 1895, § 1221; Penal Code 1910, § 1302; Code 1933, § 50-113.