Punishments for killing, etc., wild elephants without authorisation

Whoever, not being authorised thereto under the provisions of section 48 or section 51, kills, wounds, or captures, or abets within the meaning of that term as defined in the Indian Penal Code, killing, wounding or capturing of, a wild elephant in any place within the State shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to three thousand rupees or both for each animal besides recovery of loss as assessed by the Forest Department. Any person convicted of a second or subsequent offence under this section shall be liable to double the punishment mentioned above : Provided that nothing in this section shall be deemed to prevent any person from killing or wounding any wild elephant in defence of himself or of any other person or property : Provided further that any person killing any wild elephant in defence of himself or of any other person or property shall, immediately report the matter to the nearest Police or Forest Officer and also take steps to protect the dead body until it is taken charge of by the Police or Forest Officer.