Penalty for unauthorised occupation of public land

Any person who has wilfully encroached upon any public land in violation of the provision or provisions of this Act and the rules made there under shall be liable to eviction after being given an opportunity of being heard. Such an offender shall also pay penal rent for the period of such encroachment, and the crops or other agricultural or forests produce, building or any other construction on such land shall be liable to be forfeited: Provided that, no such order shall be made against any person until issue of a notice in writing to the person calling upon him to show cause within fifteen days from the date of issue of such notice; Provided further that, eviction should be carried out by the Deputy Commissioner or subject to his control, the Assistant Commissioner (Revenue), within the District only after obtaining approval of the Government.