(1) When there is reason to believe that any tree has been felled or cut or removed in contravention of the provisions of this Act, the wood of such tree, together with boat, vehicle, carrier or cattle, if any, used in such contravention may be seized by any Forest Officer not below the rank of a Forest Ranger or any police officer not below the rank of a Sub-Inspector or any other person empowered in this behalf by the State Government.
(2) Every seizure under this section shall be reported to the Magistrate having jurisdiction to try the offence on account of which the seizure has been made, and such timber, boat, vehicle, carrier or cattle shall, subject to the order of such Magistrate, be disposed of in the prescribed manner.
(3) Any Forest Officer or Police Officer who vexatiously and unnecessarily arrests or seizes any property on pretence of such property being liable to forfeiture under this Act shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees or with both.