Bare Act
The Maharashtra Forest Produce (Regulation of Trade) Act 1969
This legislation establishes a state monopoly over the purchase and transport of specified forest produce across Maharashtra to prevent exploitation and regulate trade. It applies to growers of forest produce, commercial manufacturers, exporters, and government-appointed agents. Under the law, only the state or its designated agents may buy or transport regulated forest items. It requires the government to set fair purchase prices annually in consultation with advisory committees and establish designated depots to buy produce from growers. By registering commercial users and granting enforcement officers search and seizure powers, the Act protects growers from exploitation while securing state control over forest resources.
- 1. Short title, extent, commencement and application.
- 2. Definitions.
- 3. Constitution of units.
- 4. Appointment of agents.
- 5. Restriction on purchase or transport of forest produce
- 6. Constitution of Advisory Committee.
- 7. State Government to fix price in consultation with Committee
- 8. Opening of depots, and publication of price list, etc.
- 9. State Government or agent to purchase forest produce
- 10. Registration
- 11. Registration of Manufacturers of finished goods using forest produce, and exporters of forest produce
- 12. Disposal of forest produce
- 13. Delegation of powers
- 14. Powers of entry search seizure, etc.
- 15. (...)
- 16. Attempts and abetment
- 17. Cognizance of offences.
- 18. Saving in respect of acts done in good faith.
- 19. Power to make rules.
- 20. Indian Forest Act 1927 not to apply to forest produce for purposes covered under this Act.
- 21. Removal of difficulties.
- 22. Repeal and Saving.
PDF: pending for this language.