Protection of action taken in good faith and cognizance of offence

(1) No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against any Forest Officer for anything done or omitted to be done by him in good faith under this Act or the rules or orders made thereunder. (2) No Court shall take cognizance of any offence alleged to have been committed by any Forest Officer while acting or purporting to act in the discharge of his duties under or in pursuance of the provisions of this Act or the rules or orders made thereunder, except with the previous sanction of State Government : Provided that if the sanction or otherwise under this Sub-Section is not communicated within six months from the date the application for that purpose is made, it shall be deemed that the State Government has accorded the required sanction.