Forfeiture of leases

77. When the holder of any lease, licence or contract whatsoever granted or continued by or on behalf of the Government for any of the purposes of this Act, or when any such offence is committed by any agent or servant of the holder of any such lease, licence or contract and the Government is satisfied with the commission of the offence was a consequence of the instigation of such holder or of any wilful neglect or default on his part, the Government or a forest officer duly empowered by the Government in this behalf may, by order in writing, declare the lease, licence, or contract to be forfeited in whole or in part with effect on and from the date to be specified in the order.