21. Issue of show-cause notice before confiscation.- (1) No order confiscating any raw cashewnuts, package, covering,

(1) No order confiscating any raw cashewnuts, package, covering, receptacle, animal, vessel, vehicle or other conveyance shall be made under section 20 unless the owner of such raw cashewnuts, package, covering, receptacle, animal, vessel, vehicle or other conveyance or the person from whom the same is seized-

(a) is given a notice in writing informing him of the grounds on which it is proposed to confiscate the raw cashewnuts, ; package, covering, receptacle, animal, vessel, or other conveyance;

(b) is given an opportunity of making a representation in writing within such reasonable time as may be specified in the notice against the grounds of confiscation; and

(c) is given a reasonable opportunity of being heard in the matter.

(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1), no order confiscating any animal, vessel, vehicle or other conveyance shall be made under section 20, if the owner of the animal, vessel, vehicle or other conveyance proves to the satisfaction of the Revenue Divisional Officer that it was used in carrying the raw cashewnuts without the knowledge or connivance of the owner himself, his agent, if any, and the person in charge of the animal, vessel, vehicle or other conveyance and that each of them had taken all reasonable and necessary precautions against such use.

(3) No order confiscating any raw cashewnuts, package, covering, receptacle, animal, vessel, vehicle or other conveyance shall be invalid merely by reason of any defect or irregularity in the notice given under clause(a) of sub-section (1), if, in giving such notice, the provisions of that clause have been substantially complied with.