Burden of Proof

Burden of Proof. –

1. (1) Where wood, whether sawn or unsawn, and/or wood or plant produce is recovered from a Wood Based Industry for which no valid license exists in accordance with the provisions of this Act or the rules made there under, it shall be presumed that the Wood Based Industry was in operation until the contrary is proved, burden to proof of which shall lie on the accused.
2. (2) Where, in any prosecution for an offence against this Act or the rules made there under, it is established that any wood declared unlawful was seized in the premises of a Wood Based Industry of a person, or at any site where sawing / processing was being done, it shall be presumed that such person has contravened the provisions of this Act or the rules, made thereunder until the contrary is proved, the burden of proving the same shall lie on the accused.