Restriction on sale of specified forest produce

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force, no person shall sell any specified forest produce except to the State Government or to an officer authorised by the State Government in that behalf or to an agent; Provided that this section shall not apply to the sale of specified forest produce by a person to another person for his bona fide domestic consumption or to a grower or a cultivator of specified forest produce not exceeding such quantity as may be prescribed. (2) All specified forest produce purchased by the State Government or by an officer or agent authorized by the State Government, shall be sold or otherwise disposed of in such manner as the State Government may direct. (3) Any sale of specified forest produce in contravention of sub-section (1) shall be void and shall not be enforceable by law. (4) Nothing in this section shall prevent a follower or cultivator of specified forest produce from selling his produce to a registered manufacturer. (5) An agent appointed under sub-section (5) of section 6 shall purchase specified forest produce at such rates as may be fixed by the State Government from time to time and shall pay the price to the seller immediately on demand. Provided that in such cases where the produce is not weighed on the spot, the price shall be paid within 15 days of the sale. Provided further that where a manufacturer has entered into a contract to purchase specified forest produce, he shall pay the price to the seller in the manner, and at the time as may be prescribed: (ka) The price shall be fixed keeping in view the prevailing market rates and the interest of the growers; (kha) The agent shall maintain the accounts; (ga) Returns shall be submitted as prescribed; (gha) Rules shall be complied with; (cha) Such other conditions as the State Government may specify.