Section 72 of IFA : Section 72: State Government May Invest Forest-Officers With Certain Powers

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where a Forest Officer in Maharashtra suspects illegal logging activities within a protected forest area. The State Government has invested the Forest Officer with powers under Section 72 of The Indian Forest Act, 1927.

The officer, using the power under clause (a), enters the suspected land, surveys it, demarcates the boundaries, and creates a map to document the area affected by the illegal activity.

Under the power granted by clause (b), the officer summons witnesses who may have information about the logging activities and compels the production of documents such as permits or licenses that the loggers claim to possess.

With the authority given by clause (c), as amended by Maharashtra to refer to "the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973," the officer issues a search warrant to investigate a local sawmill suspected of processing the illegally harvested timber.

Finally, utilizing the power under clause (d), the officer holds an inquiry into the forest offences, records evidence, and ensures that the accused loggers are present during this process to meet the conditions for admissibility in a subsequent trial.

If the case goes to trial, the evidence recorded during the Forest Officer's inquiry can be presented before a Magistrate, as stipulated by sub-section (2).