Release from management

(1) On the expiration of the period for which management of a private forest was taken over, or earlier, if the Government consider that it is no longer necessary to continue in management the Government shall, by order, release such forest from their management. (2) When the management of any private forest is to be released as aforesaid, the Government may after such inquiry, if any, as they may in any case consider necessary to make or cause to be made, specify by order in writing the person to whom possession of the forest shall be given and such possession shall, as far as practicable, be given to the person from whom possession was taken at the time of the management or to the successors-in-interest of such person. (3) The delivery of possession of the forest to the person specified in an order under sub-section (2) shall be a full discharge of the Government from all liability in respect of the forest, but shall not prejudice any rights in respect of the forest which any other person may be entitled by due process of law to enforce against the person to whom possession of the forest is given. (4) Where any person to whom possession of any forest is to be given is not found and has no agent or other person empowered to accept delivery on his behalf, the Government shall cause to be published in the Gazette the order passed under sub-section (1). (5) On and from the date of publication of the order under sub-section (4), possession of the forest shall be deemed to have been delivered to the person entitled to possession thereof and the Government shall not be liable for any claim in respect of the forest for any period after the said date. (6) All agreements validly entered into by the Government in the course of management shall be binding on the owner.