Section 28: Suspension of rights in reserved forest
The Odisha Forest Act, 1972.State Act of Odisha · Act 14 of 1972
Whenever in a reserved forest -
(a) fire is caused wilfully or by gross negligence; or
(b) theft to forest produce occurs and such theft, is in the opinion of the State Government on such a scale as to be likely to imperil the future yield of such forest.
The State Government may, on the recommendation of the Collector of the district, direct that in such forest or any portion thereof the exercise of all rights of pasture or to forest produce shall be suspended for such period as they may think fit :
Provided that before making any recommendation to the State Government, the Collector shall give the persons concerned a reasonable opportunity of being heard.