Possession of sandalwood under licence

No person shall have in his possession any quantity of sandalwood in excess of five kilograms, unless under a licence granted by the District Forest Officer in that behalf or unless such sandalwood is affixed by a Forest Officer with such mark and in such manner as may be prescribed.: Provided that the District Forest Officer may refuse to grant or renew a licence to any applicant or licensee in respect of whom he is satisfied that by reason of his conviction of an offence under this Act or the rules thereunder, or the previous cancellation or suspension of any licence granted thereunder, or the contravention of any of the requirements as to the possession of sandalwood, or for any other reasons which may be prescribed, he is not a fit person to whom a licence should be granted or renewed under this section. Every such order shall be communicated to the applicant or the licensee, as the case may be, as soon as possible.