Vexatious search, etc. by forest officer

68. (1) Any forest officer exercising powers under this Act or any rule made thereunder who--

1. (a) without reasonable ground of suspicion, searches or causes to be searched any place, premises, vehicle or vessel; or
2. (b) vexatiously detains or searches or arrests any person; shall, for every such offence, upon conviction by the court, be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees, Or with both.

1. (2) Any person wilfully and maliciously giving false information and so causing an arrest or a search to be made under this Act shall, upon conviction by the court, be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with a fine which may extend to two thousand rupees or with both.