Power of Collector, etc., to order sale or destruction of articles before confiscation.

If the article in question is liable to speedy and natural decay, or if the Excise Commissioner, Collector, Court or the officer authorized by the State Government in this behalf is of opinion that the sale would be in public interest or the sale would be for the benefit of the owner, the Excise Commissioner, Collector, Court or the officer may, at any time, before passing the Order of confiscation, direct such articles to be soldand proceeds be deposited with the Government:

Provided that, where anything is liable to speedy and natural decay, or is of trifling value or which can be put to misuse, the Collector or the officer concerned, may, order such thing to be destroyed, if in its or his opinion such order is expedient in the circumstances of the case.