Forest reserved previous to the passing of this Act

The Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette declare any forest which has been reserved by order of the Government previous to the day on which this Act comes into force to be a reserved forest under this Act: Provided that if the rights of the Government or of private persons to or over any land or forest produce in such forest have not been inquired into, settled and recorded in manner which the Government thinks sufficient, the same shall be inquired into settled and recorded in the manner provided by this Act for reserved forest, before the date on which the notification declaring the forest to be reserved takes effect. All questions decided, orders issued and records prepared in connection with the reservation of such forest shall be deemed to have been decided, issued and prepared hereunder, and the provisions of this Act relating to reserved forest. shall apply to such forests.