Confiscation by forest officers in certain cases

64. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing provisions of this Chapter, where a forest offence is believed to have been committed in respect of timber, firewood, charcoal and other forest produce which is the property of the Government, the officer seizing the property shall, without any unreasonable delay, produce it, together with all implements, ropes, chains, vehicles and cattle and other animal used in committing such offence before a superior forest officer authorised by the Government in this behalf, not being below the rank of the Deputy Conservator of Forests (hereinafter referred to as the authorised officer).

1. (2) Where an authorised officer seizes any timber, charcoal, firewood and other forest produce which is the property of Government, or where such property is produced before an authorised officer under sub-section (1) and if he is satisfied that a forest offence has been committed in respect of such property, such authorised officer may, whether or not a prosecution is instituted for the commission of such forest offence, order confiscation of property so seized together with all ropes, chains, implements, vehicles, cattle and other animal used in committing such offence.