Power to seize and destroy cotton and cotton seed

Power to seize and destroy cotton and cotton seed.—

1. (1) If any cotton or cotton seed is found in any controlled area, which is in contravention of the provisions of this Act or of any rule or order made thereunder, such cotton or cotton seed shall be forfeited to the State Government.
2. (2) Any officer authorised by the State Government in this behalf may seize any such cotton or cotton seed and may destroy the same in such manner as may be prescribed: Provided that before destroying any cotton or cotton seed, the officer shall give to the person from whose possession it was seized or to the owner thereof, a reasonable opportunity to show cause why the cotton or cotton seed should not be destroyed.