Offences and penalties

(1) Any person who contravenes any provisions of this Act, or any rule or order made there under shall, on conviction, be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years and with fine which may extend to twenty thousand rupees: Provided that- a) for a first offence, the term of such imprisonment shall not be less than two years and such fine shall not be less than seven thousand and five hundred rupees; b) for a second or subsequent offences, the term of such imprisonment shall not be less than three years and such fine shall not be less than fifteen thousand rupees. (2) When any person is convicted of an offence against this Act, the Court trying the offence may order that any rosewood tree in respect of which the offence has been committed, and any package, covering, receptacle tool, weapon, animal, vehicle, vessel, boat or conveyance used in the commission of the said offence be forfeited to the Government and such forfeiture shall be in addition to any other punishment that may be awarded for such offence.