Definition

In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context, - (i) "fish" includes shell fish, and fish in all stages in its life history; (ii) "Fishery Officer" means such officer as the State Government may appoint for the purpose of this Act includes any officer or class of Officers empowered by the State Government to act as Fishery Officer; Provided that no Police Officer below the rank of Sub-Inspector shall be so empowered; (iii) "fixed engine" means any net, cage, trap or other contrivance for taking fish fixed in the soil of made stationary in any other way; (iv) " private water " means water-- (a) Which is the exclusive property of any person, or (b) In which any person has for the time being an exclusive right of fishery whether as owner, lessee or in any other capacity, but does not include any river, canal, stream, jhil, or any piece of water which ordinarily has direct communication with any river, canal, stream or jhil. Explanation:- Water shall not cease to be "private water" within the meaning of this definition by reason only of the fact that persons other than the owners may have by custom a right of fishery therein; (v) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act.