Procedure in making confiscations

(1) In the trial of offences under this Act, whether the accused is convicted or acquitted, the Court shall decide whether any article seized under this Chapter is liable to confiscation under Section 23 and, if it decides that the article is so liable, it may subject to the other provisions of this section, order confiscation accordingly. (2) Where any article seized under this Chapter appears to be liable to confiscation under Section 23, but the person who committed the offence in connection therewith is not known or cannot be found, the Prohibition Deputy Commissioner, or other officer authorised by the State Government in this behalf, may enquire into and decide such liability, and may order confiscation accordingly: Provided that no such order shall be made until the expiry of thirty days from the date of seizure, or without hearing any person who may claim any right thereto and the evidence, if any, which he produces in respect of his claim.