Punishment for possessing property not satisfactorily accounted for

Where a person living in dacoity-affected area is found to be in possession of properties in that area or elsewhere in Rajasthan for which he cannot satisfactorily account for and which has been acquired by or as a result of, the commission of a scheduled offence, he shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to seven years and with fine : Provided that if and when an order of release is made by the special court under 'Section 17, the accused shall, whatever be the stage of trial, be discharged and shall be released forthwith if he is under custody and his conviction, if any, shall be deemed not to have ever existed.