Section 68 of IFA : Section 68: Power To Compound Offences

Explanation using Example

Imagine a local villager in the state of Maharashtra, India, is suspected of illegally cutting down a tree in a protected forest area, which is a violation of the forest laws. The Forest Officer, who is empowered by the State Government as per Section 68 of The Indian Forest Act, 1927, suspects this villager of committing the offence. Instead of taking the case through a lengthy judicial process, the officer offers the villager the option to pay a sum of money as compensation for the offence.

The villager agrees and pays the compensation amount, which is within the limits set by the amended Maharashtra state provisions (not exceeding five thousand rupees). Upon payment, the villager is released from custody, the seized wood is released, and no further legal proceedings are pursued against the villager for this particular incident. This example illustrates the practical application of Section 68, allowing for a quicker resolution and avoiding the costs and time of a court case.