Confiscation

(1) Where a Court trying an offence punishable under section 5 or section 6 is satisfied that an offence under that section has been committed in respect of any cotton, the Court may direct that such cotton and every box, receptacle, package or covering, containing such cotton shall be forfeited to Government. (2) Where an offence under this Act has been committed, or is believed to have been committed in respect of any cotton and the offender is not known or cannot be found or where no person claims any right in such cotton, the officer authorised by the State Government in this behalf may hold an inquiry and may order confiscation of such cotton together with any box, receptacle, package or covering containing such cotton: Provided that no such order shall be made before the expiration of one month from the date of seizing the cotton liable to confiscation or without hearing the person, if any, claiming any right thereto and the evidence, if any, which he produces in support of his claim.