Section 26 of IFA : Section 26: Acts Prohibited In Such Forests

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where a local farmer named Arjun enters a reserved forest area to collect firewood without permission. He decides to clear some land to cultivate crops. While doing so, he cuts down several protected trees and starts a fire to burn the brush, which quickly gets out of control and spreads throughout the forest.

Under Section 26 of The Indian Forest Act, 1927, Arjun's actions of clearing land for cultivation (clause h), felling trees (clause f), and kindling a fire that endangered the forest (clause b) are all offenses. As a result, he could be subject to both criminal penalties, including imprisonment and fines, as well as being directed to pay compensation for the damage caused to the forest.

If this occurred in Maharashtra, the fines could be increased to five thousand rupees, and if he had committed the offense after sunset or had prior convictions, his punishment could be doubled. Additionally, a Forest Officer in Maharashtra could evict him, confiscate any crops grown, and demolish any structures he built.

In the states of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the penalties would be even more severe, with potential imprisonment of up to two years and fines up to twenty-five thousand rupees for his actions.