Section 7 Evidence to rebut primâ facie case of publication by an agent.

Whensoever F1in Northern Ireland, upon the trial of any indictment or information for the publication of a F2blasphemous libel, under the plea of not guilty, evidence shall have been given which shall establish a presumptive case of publication against the defendant by the act of any other person by his authority, it shall be competent to such defendant to prove that such publication was made without his authority, consent, or knowledge, and that the said publication did not arise from want of due care or caution on his part.