Penalty for offence in regard to sandalwood

Penalty for offence in regard to sandalwood. In any case of a forest offence having reference to the cutting, uprooting, or removal or damage to, a sandal tree or any part of a sandal tree belonging to Government, or to an occupant or holder of land or other person referred to in section 83, the offender shall, on conviction, be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years and with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees. Provided that,— (i) in the case of first offence the term of imprisonment shall not be less than five years and the amount of fine shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees; and (ii) in the case of a second or subsequent offence the term of imprisonment shall not be less than seven years and the amount of fine shall not be less than seventy five thousand rupees.