Section 52 of IFA : Section 52: Seizure Of Property Liable To Confiscation

Explanation using Example

Imagine a situation where a group of individuals are found illegally cutting down trees in a protected forest area. A Forest Officer, upon discovering this activity, has reason to believe that a forest offence is being committed. The officer then seizes the illegally felled timber (forest produce), along with the saws, axes (tools), and the truck (vehicle) used to transport the timber.

The officer marks the seized items to indicate that they have been confiscated due to the suspected offence. They then promptly report the seizure to the nearest Magistrate with the jurisdiction to try the case. If the forest produce belongs to the government and the perpetrators are not immediately known, the officer will report the incident to their superior instead.

This action taken by the Forest Officer is in accordance with Section 52 of The Indian Forest Act, 1927, which allows for the seizure of property when a forest offence is believed to have been committed.