The Forest Act, 1927 05/04/24, 14:43

THE FOREST ACT, 1927

(Act XVI of 1927)
CONTENTS

SECTION HEADING
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
1. Short title and extent.
2. Interpretation clause.

CHAPTER II
OF RESERVED FORESTS
3. Powers to reserve forest.
4. Notification by Government.
5. Bar of accrual of forest-rights.
6. Proclamation by Forest Settlement-officer.
7. Inquiry by Forest Settlement-officer.
8. Powers of Forest Settlement-officer.
9. Extinction of rights.
10. Treatment of claims relating to practice of shifting cultivation.
11. Power to acquire land over which right is claimed.
12. Order on claims to rights of pasture or to forest-produce.
13. Record to be made by Forest Settlement-officer.
14. Record where he admits claim.
15. Exercise of rights admitted.
16. Commutation of rights.
17. Appeal from order passed under section 11, section 12, section 15 or section 16.
18. Appeal under section 17.
19. Pleaders.
20. Notification declaring forest reserved.
21. Publication of translation of such notification in neighbourhood of forest.
22. Power to revise arrangement made under section 15 or section 18.
23. No right acquired over reserved forest, except as here provided.
24. Rights not to be alienated without sanction.
25. Power to stop ways and watercourses in reserved forests.
26. Offences relating to reserved forests.
26-A. Removal of encroachments etc., from reserved forests.
27. Power to declare forest no longer reserved.
CHAPTER III
OF VILLAGE-FORESTS
28. Formation of village forests.
28-A. Unclassed forests.

CHAPTER IV
OF PROTECTED FORESTS
29. Protected forests.
30. Power to issue notification reserving trees, etc.
31. Publication of translation of such notification in neighborhood.
32. Power to make rules for protected forests.

33. Offences relating to protected forests.

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33. Offences relating to protected forests.

33-A. Power of Court to convict trespasser.
34. Nothing in this Chapter to prohibit acts done in certain cases.
34-A. Power to declare forest no longer protected.

CHAPTER V
OF THE CONTROL OVER FORESTS AND LANDS
NOT BEING THE PROPERTY OF GOVERNMENT
35. Protection of forests for special purposes.
36. Power to assume management of forests.
37. Expropriation of forests in certain cases.
38. Protection of forests at request of owners.

CHAPTER VI
OF THE DUTY ON TIMBER AND
OTHER FOREST-PRODUCE
39. Power to impose duty on timber and other forest-produce.
40. Limit not to apply to purchase-money or royalty.

CHAPTER VII
OF THE CONTROL OF TIMBER AND
OTHER FOREST-PRODUCE IN TRANSIT
41. Power to make rules to regulate, transit of forest-produce.
41-A. Powers of Government as to movements of timber across Customs frontiers.
42. Penalty for breach of rules made under section 41.
43. Government and Forest-officers not liable for damage to forest-produce at depot.
44. All persons bound to aid in case of accident at depot.
CHAPTER VIII
OF THE COLLECTION OF DRIFT
AND STRANDED TIMBER
45. Certain kinds of timber to be deemed property of Government until title thereto provided, and
may be collected accordingly.
46. Notice to claimants of drift timber.
47. Procedure on claim preferred to such timber.
48. Disposal of unclaimed timber.
49. Government and its officers not liable for damage to such timber.
50. Payments to be made by claimant before timber is delivered to him.
51. Power to make rules and prescribe penalties.

CHAPTER IX
PENALTIES AND PROCEDURE
52. Seizure of property liable to confiscation.
53. Power to release property.
54. Procedure thereupon.
55. Forest produce, tools, etc., when liable to confiscation.
56. Disposal on conclusion of trial for forest-offence, of produce in respect of which it was
committed.
57. Procedure when offender not known, or cannot be found.
58. Procedure as to perishable property seized under section 52.
59. Appeal from orders under section 55, section 56, or section 57.
60. Property when to vest in Government.
61. Power to release a seized property.
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61. Power to release a seized property.

62. Punishment for wrongful seizure.
63. Penalty for counterfeiting or defacing marks on trees and timber and for altering boundary
marks.
64. Power to arrest without warrant.
64-A. Procedure relating to arrests, searches, etc.
65. Power to release an arrested person.
66. Power to prevent commission of offence.
67. Powers to try offences summarily.
68. Power to compound offences.
68-A. Reward in forest cases.
69. Presumption that forest-produce belongs to Government.

CHAPTER X
CATTLE-TRESPASS
70. Cattle-Trespass Act, 1871, to apply.
71. Powers to alter fines.

CHAPTER XI
OF FOREST-OFFICERS
72. Government may invest Forest-officers with certain powers.
73. Forest-officers deemed public servants.
74. Indemnity for acts done in good faith.
75. Forest-officers not to trade.

CHAPTER XII
SUBSIDIARY RULES
76. Additional powers to make rules.
77. Penalty for breach of rules.
78. Rules when to have force of law.

CHAPTER XII-A
FOREST COMPANY
78-A. Forest company.
78-B. Procedure for partnership.

CHAPTER XIII
MISCELLANEOUS
79. Persons bound to assist Forest-officers and Police-officers.
80. Management of forests the joint property of Government and other persons.
80-A. Public private partnership.
81. Failure to perform service for which a share in produce of Government forest is enjoyed.
82. Recovery of money due to Government.
83. Lien on forest-produce for such money.
84. Land required under this Act to be deemed to be needed for a public purpose under the Land
Acquisition Act, 1894.
85. Recovery of penalties due under bond.
85-A. [Saving for rights of Government] Omitted.
86. Repeals.

THE SCHEDULE
[Repealed]
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[Repealed]

[1]

THE FOREST ACT, 1927

(Act XVI of 1927)
[21 September 1927]

An Act to consolidate the law relating to forests, the transit of forest-produce and the duty leviable on
timber and other forest-produce

WHEREAS it is expedient to consolidate the law relating to forests, the transit of forest-produce and the
duty leviable on timber and other forest-produce;
It is hereby enacted as follows:-
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
[2]
1. Short title and extent.– (1) This Act may be called the [* * *] Forest Act, 1927.
[3]
[(2) It extends to the Punjab;]
[4]
(3) [* * * * * * * * * * * *].
[5]
[2. Interpretation clause.– In this Act–
(a) “cattle” includes ungulate, camel, buffalo, horse, mare, gelding, pony, bull, colt, filly, mule, ass,
pig, ram, sheep, lamb, goat, heifer, bullock and cow;
(b) “Code” means Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (V of 1898);
[6]
[(ba) “Department” means the Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Department of the Government;]
(c) “forest’ means a reserved forest, protected forest, unclassed forest and village forest and includes
wasteland or rangeland;
[7]
[(ca) “forest company” means a company established under the Act;]
(d) “forest land” means a piece of land notified by the Government as the forest land to develop,
protect and conserve forest and includes a rangeland and wasteland;
(e) “forest land use” means use of a piece of land for development, conservation and preservation of
a forest;
(f) “forest offence” means an offence punishable under the Act or the rules;
(g) “forest officer” means a person appointed by the Government as the forest officer;
(h) “forest produce” includes the following, whether found in or brought from a forest–
(i) timber, firewood, charcoal, catechu, wood-oil, resin, natural varnish, bark, lac, mahua
flowers, mahaua seeds (kuth) and myrobolam;
(ii) tree and leaves, flowers, seeds and fruits, and any other part or produce not hereinbefore
mentioned, of a tree;
(iii) plant not being a tree (including shrub, grass, creeper, reed, moss, mushroom, herb,
medicinal plant and brushwood) and any other part or produce of a plant;
(iv) wild animal and skin, tusk, horn, bone, silk, cocoon, honey, wax and any other part or
produce of an animal;
(v) peat, surface soil, rock and mineral (including limestone, laterite, mineral oil, and any
other product of mines or quarries);
(vi) natural spring; and
(vii) any other produce which may be notified as forest produce by the Government.
(i) “forest settlement officer” means a person appointed by the Government as the forest settlement
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(i) “forest settlement officer” means a person appointed by the Government as the forest settlement
officer;
(j) “Government” means the Government of the Punjab;
(k) “private public partnership” means management of a forest as joint venture with a company,
individual or entity;
(l) “protected forest” means a forest notified as protected forest under the Act;
(m) “reserve forest” means a forest notified as reserved forest under the Act;
(n) “river” includes any stream, canal, creek or other channel, natural or artificial;
(o) “rules” means the rules made under the Act;
(p) “trespass” means a person or persons entering a forest with tools and equipment helpful in
commission of a forest offence;
(q) “timber” includes wood (firewood, brushwood, twig, sawdust, chips), whether obtained by falling of
a tree or plant or without it;
(r) “tree” includes a woody plant, palm, bamboo, stump, brushwood and cane;
(s) “unclassed forest” means a wasteland notified as the unclassed forest under the Act;
(t) “village forests” means a forest notified as the village forest under the Act; and
(u) “wasteland” includes an uncultivated or uncultivable land notified as the wasteland by the
Government.]
CHAPTER II
OF RESERVED FORESTS
[8]
3. Powers to reserve forest.– The [Government] may constitute any forest-land or waste-land which
is the property of Government, or over which the Government has proprietary rights, or to the whole or
any part of the forest-produce of which the Government is entitled, a reserved forest in the manner
hereinafter provided.
[9]
4. Notification by [Government].– (1) Whenever it has been decided to constitute any land a
[10] [11]
reserved forest, the [Government] shall issue a notification in the [official Gazette]–
(a) declaring that it has been decided to constitute such land a reserved forest;
(b) specifying, as nearly as possible, the situation and limits of such land; and
(c) appointing an officer (hereinafter called “the Forest Settlement-officer”) to inquire into and determine
the existence, nature and extent of any rights alleged to exist in favour of any person in or over any
land comprised within such limits, or in or over any forest-produce, and to deal with the same as
provided in this Chapter.
Explanation– For the purpose of clause (b), it shall be sufficient to describe the limits of the forest by
roads, rivers, bridges or other well-known or readily intelligible boundaries.
(2) The officer appointed under clause (c) of sub-section (1) shall ordinarily be a person not holding
any forest-office except that of Forest Settlement-officer.
[12]
(3) Nothing in this section shall prevent the [Government] from appointing any number of officers
not exceeding three, not more than one of whom shall be a person holding any forest-office except as
aforesaid, to perform the duties of a Forest Settlement-officer under this Act.
5. Bar of accrual of forest-rights.– After the issue of a notification under section 4, no right shall be
acquired in or over the land comprised in such notification, except by succession or under a grant or
[13]
contract in writing made or entered into by or [on behalf of the Government] or some person in whom
such right was vested when the notification was issued; and no fresh clearings for cultivation or for any
[14]
other purpose shall be made in such land except in accordance with such rules as may be made by the
[Government] in this behalf.
6. Proclamation by Forest Settlement-officer.– When a notification has been issued under section 4,
the Forest Settlement-officer shall publish in the local vernacular in every town and village in the
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the Forest Settlement-officer shall publish in the local vernacular in every town and village in the
neighbourhood of the land comprised therein, a proclamation–
(a) specifying, as nearly as possible, the situation and limits of the proposed forest;
(b) explaining the consequences which, as hereinafter provided, will ensue on the reservation of such
forest; and
(c) fixing a period of not less than three months from the date of such proclamation, and requiring every
person claiming any right mentioned in section 4 or section 5 within such period either to present to the
Forest Settlement-officer a written notice specifying or to appear before him and state, the nature of such
right and the amount and particulars of the compensation (if any) claimed in respect thereof.
7. Inquiry by Forest Settlement-officer.– The Forest Settlement-officer shall take down in writing all statements
made under section 6, and shall at some convenient place inquire into all claims duly preferred under that section, and
the existence of any rights mentioned in section 4 or section 5 and not claimed under section 6 so far as the same may
be ascertainable from the records of Government and the evidence of any persons likely to be acquainted with the
same.
8. Powers of Forest Settlement-officer.– For the purpose of such inquiry, the Forest Settlement-officer
may exercise the following powers, that is to say:-
(a) power to enter, by himself or any officer authorised by him for the purpose, upon any land, and to
survey, demarcate and make a map of the same; and
(b) the powers of a Civil Court in the trial of suits.

9. Extinction of rights.– Rights in respect of which no claim has been preferred under section 6, and of
the existence of which no knowledge has been acquired by inquiry under section 7, shall be extinguished,
unless, before the notification under section 20 is published, the person claiming them satisfies the Forest
Settlement-officer that he had sufficient cause for not preferring such claim within the period fixed under
section 6.

10. Treatment of claims relating to practice of shifting cultivation.– (1) In the case of a claim relating
to the practice of shifting cultivation, the Forest Settlement-officer shall record a statement setting forth
the particulars of the claim and of any local rule or order under which the practice is allowed or regulated,
[15]
and submit the statement to the [Government], together with his opinion as to whether the practice
should be permitted or prohibited wholly or in part.
[16]
(2) On receipt of the statement and opinion, the [Government] may make an order permitting or
prohibiting the practice wholly or in part.
(3) If such practice is permitted wholly or in part, the Forest Settlement-officer may arrange for its
exercise–
(a) by altering the limits of the land under settlement so as to exclude land of sufficient extent, of
a suitable kind, and in a locality reasonably convenient for the purposes of the claimants, or
(b) by causing certain portions of the land under settlement to be separately demarcated, and
giving permission to the claimants to practice shifting cultivation therein under such conditions
as he may prescribe.
[17]
[(3-a) If the admission of any claim, right or interest in a forest is found detrimental to the forest,
the Government may acquire the right or interest in accordance with the provisions of the Land
Acquisition Act 1894 (I of 1894) and may entrust the powers of Collector under the Land Acquisition Act
1894 (I of 1894) upon a forest settlement officer.]
[18]
(4) All arrangements made under sub-section (3) shall be subject to the previous sanction of the
[Government].
(5) The practice of shifting cultivation shall in all cases be deemed a privilege subject to control,
[19]
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[19]
restriction and abolition by the [Government].
[20]
[(6) The forest settlement officer may permit the practice of shifting cultivation for a period not
exceeding three years, in case of undeveloped wasteland in order to develop it into a productive forest, in
accordance with the provisions of this section.]
11. Power to acquire land over which right is claimed.– (1) In the case of a claim to a right in or over any
land other than a right-of-way or right of pasture, or a right to forest-produce or a water-course, the Forest
Settlement-officer shall pass an order admitting or rejecting the same in whole or in part.
(2) If such claim is admitted in whole or in part, the Forest Settlement-officer shall either–
(i) exclude such land from the limits of the proposed forest; or
(ii) come to an agreement with the owner thereof for the surrender of his rights; or
[21]
(iii) proceed to acquire such land in the manner provided by the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 .
(3) For the purpose of so acquiring such land–
[22]
(a) the forest Settlement-officer shall be deemed to be a [District Officer (Revenue)]
proceeding under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894;
(b) the claimant shall be deemed to be a person interested and appearing before him in pursuance
of a notice given under section 9 of that Act;
(c) the provisions of the preceding sections of that Act shall be deemed to have been complied
with; and
[23]
(d) the [District Officer (Revenue)], with the consent of the claimant, or the Court, with the consent
of both parties, may award compensation in land, or partly in land and partly in money.
12. Order on claims to rights of pasture or to forest-produce.– In the case of a claim to rights of pasture or
to forest-produce, the Forest Settlement-officer shall pass an order admitting or rejecting the same in whole or
in part.

13. Record to be made by Forest Settlement-officer.– The Forest Settlement-officer, when passing any
order under section 12, shall record, so far as may be practicable,–
(a) the name, father’s name, caste, residence and occupation of the person claiming the right; and
(b) the designation, position and area of all fields or groups of fields (if any), and the designation and
position of all buildings (if any) in respect of which the exercise of such rights is claimed.

14. Record where he admits claim.– If the Forest Settlement-officer admits in whole or in part any
claim under section 12, he shall also record the extent to which the claim is so admitted, specifying the
number and description of the cattle which the claimant is from time to time entitled to graze in the forest,
the season during which such pasture is permitted, the quantity of timber and other forest-produce which
he is from time to time authorised to take or receive, and such other particulars as the case may require.
He shall also record whether the timber or other forest-produce obtained by the exercise of the rights
claimed may be sold or bartered.

15. Exercise of rights admitted.– (1) After making such record the Forest Settlement-officer shall, to
the best of his ability, and having due regard to the maintenance of the reserved forest in respect of which
the claim is made, pass such orders as will ensure the continued exercise of the rights so admitted.
(2) For this purpose the Forest Settlement-officer may–
(a) set out some other forest-tract of sufficient extent, and in a locality reasonably convenient, for the
purposes of such claimants, and record an order conferring upon them a right of pasture or to
forest-produce (as the case may be) to the extent so admitted; or
(b) so alter the limits of the proposed forest as to exclude forest-land of sufficient extent, and in a
locality reasonably convenient, for the purposes of the claimants; or
(c) record an order, continuing to such claimants a right of pasture or to forest-produce, as the case
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(c) record an order, continuing to such claimants a right of pasture or to forest-produce, as the case
may be, to the extent so admitted, at such seasons, within such portions of the proposed forest,
[24]
and under such rules, as may be made in this behalf by the [Government].

16. Commutation of rights.– In case the Forest Settlement-officer finds it impossible, having due regard
to the maintenance of the reserved forest, to make such settlement under section 15 as shall ensure the
[25]
continued exercise of the said rights to the extent so admitted, he shall, subject to such rules as the
[Government] may make in this behalf, commute such rights, by the payment to such persons of a sum of
money in lieu thereof, or by the grant of land, or in such other manner as he thinks fit.

17. Appeal from order passed under section 11, section 12, section 15 or section 16.– Any person who
has made a claim under this Act, or any Forest-officer or other person generally or specially empowered by
[26]
the [Government] in this behalf, may, within three months from the date of the order passed on such
claim by the Forest Settlement-officer under section 11, section 12, section 15 or section 16, present an
[27]
appeal from such order to such officer of the Revenue Department, of rank not lower than that of a
[28] [29]
[District Officer (Revenue)], as the [Government] may, by notification in the [official Gazette],
appoint to hear appeals from such orders:
[30]
Provided that the [Government] may establish a Court (hereinafter called the Forest Court)
[31]
composed of three persons to be appointed by the [Government], and, when the Forest Court has been
so established, all such appeals shall be presented to it.

18. Appeal under section 17.– (1) Every appeal under section 17 shall be made by petition in writing,
and may be delivered to the Forest Settlement-officer, who shall forward it without delay to the authority
competent to hear the same.
(2) If the appeal be to an officer appointed under section 17, it shall be heard in the manner prescribed
for the time being for the hearing of appeals in matters relating to land revenue.
(3) If the appeal be to the Forest Court, the Court shall fix a day and a convenient place in the
neighbourhood of the proposed forest for hearing the appeal, and shall give notice thereof to the parties,
and shall hear such appeal accordingly.
(4) The order passed on the appeal by such officer or Court, or by the majority of the members of
[32]
such Court, as the case may be, shall, subject to revision by the [Government], be final.
[33]
19. Pleaders.– The [Government], or any person who has made a claim under this Act, may appoint
any person to appear, plead and act on its or his behalf before the Forest Settlement-officer, or the
appellate officer or Court, in the course of any inquiry or appeal under this Act.
20. Notification declaring forest reserved.– (1) When the following events have occurred, namely:-
(a) the period fixed under section 6 for preferring claims has elapsed, and all claims, if any, made
under that section or section 9 have been disposed of by the Forest Settlement-officer;
(b) if any such claims have been made, the period limited by section 17 for appealing from the
orders passed on such claims has elapsed, and all appeals (if any) presented within such period
have been disposed of by the appellate officer or Court; and
(c) all lands (if any) to be included in the proposed forest, which the Forest Settlement-officer has,
[34]
under section 11, elected to acquire under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 , have become
vested in the Government under section 16 of that Act,
[35] [36]
the [Government] shall publish a notification in the [official Gazette], specifying definitely,
according to boundary-marks erected or otherwise the limits of the forest which is to be reserved, and
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according to boundary-marks erected or otherwise the limits of the forest which is to be reserved, and
declaring the same to be reserved from a date fixed by the notification.
(2) From the date so fixed such forest shall be deemed to be a reserved forest.

21. Publication of translation of such notification in neighbourhood of forest.– The Forest-officer shall,
before the date fixed by such notification, cause a translation thereof into the local vernacular to be published
in every town and village in the neighbourhood of the forest.
[37]
22. Power to revise arrangement made under section 15 or section 18.– The [Government] may,
within five years from the publication of any notification under section 20, revise any arrangement made
under section 15 or section 18, and may for this purpose rescind or modify any order made under section 15
or section 18, and direct that any one of the proceedings specified in section 15 be taken in lieu of any other
of such proceedings, or that the rights admitted under section 12 be commuted under section 16.
23. No right acquired over reserved forest, except as here provided.– No right of any description
shall be acquired in or over a reserved forest except by succession or under a grant or contract in writing
[38]
made by or [on behalf of the Government] or some person in whom such right was vested when the
notification under section 20 was issued.

24. Rights not to be alienated without sanction.– (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in section
23, no right continued under clause (c) of sub-section (2) of section 15 shall be alienated by way of grant,
[39]
sale, lease, mortgage or otherwise, without the sanction of the [Government]:
Provided that, when any such right is appendant to any land or house, it may be sold or otherwise
alienated with such land or house.
(2) No timber of other forest-produce obtained in exercise of any such right shall be sold or bartered
except to such extent as may have been admitted in the order recorded under section 14.
25. Power to stop ways and watercourses in reserved forests.– The Forest-officer may, with the
[40]
previous sanction of the [Government] or of any officer duly authorised by it in this behalf, stop any
public or private way or watercourse in a reserved forest, provided that a substitute for the way or water-
[41]
course so stopped, which the [Government] deems to be reasonably convenient, already exists, or has
been provided or constructed by the Forest-officer in lieu thereof.

[42]
[26. Offences relating to reserved forests.– (1) A person, who in a reserved forest–
(a) makes fresh clearing which is prohibited under section 5;
(b) kindles fire or burns fire in the manner which endangers the forest or sets on fire any plant or
tree;
(c) causes damage by negligently felling a tree, cutting or dragging any timber;
(d) cuts or damages any plant;
(e) fells, girdles, lops, taps or burns a tree or strips off a bark or leaves of a tree or otherwise
damages the same;
(f) quarries stones, mines, minerals, burns lime or charcoal, or collects or removes any forest
produce;
(g) constructs any building, structure, hutment or cattle pen;
(h) clears or breaks up any land for cultivation or any other purpose;
(i) encroaches upon the forest land;
(j) causes damage or tempers with barbed wire, or fence erected in or around the forest;
(k) contravenes any rules relating to hunting, shooting, fishing, or setting up traps or snares;
(l) kindles, keeps or carries any fire except during such season as the forest officer may notify in
this behalf;
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this behalf;
(m) trespasses or pastures cattle, or permits cattle to trespass;
(n) removes or causes damage to the soil, water, natural vegetation (shrubs, herbs and plants), fish,
wild animals and wild birds;
(o) damages any structures such as water channel, check dam, embankment, reservoir or pond;
(p) changes the land use for the purpose other than development, preservation or conservation of
the forest or park; and
(q) installs a saw mill, charcoal kiln or establishes timber or firewood depot or operates any
mechanical aid designed to cut, fashion or convert a tree or timber or fabricates wood into articles
of furniture, building materials, joinery or articles of domestic or commercial use in or within five
mile radius of the forest;
shall be punished in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(2) If a person contravenes any provision of sub-section (1), the person shall be liable to punishment
of imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or fine mentioned in sub-section (3) or to
[43]
both [but the fine shall not be less than the value of damage caused to the forest produce assessed by
the Department].
(3) The value of the damage caused due to the offence and corresponding amount of fine for the
offence shall be as follows:-
(a) if the damage is worth one thousand rupees or less, the fine may extend to ten thousand
[44]
rupees [but shall not be less than the value of damage caused to the forest produce
assessed by the Department];
(b) if the damage is worth more than one thousand rupees but less than ten thousand rupees, the
[45]
fine may extend to fifty thousand rupees [but shall not be less than the value of damage
caused to the forest produce assessed by the Department];
(c) if the damage is worth more than ten thousand rupees but less than twenty-five thousand
[46]
rupees, the fine may extend to one hundred and fifty thousand rupees [but shall not be less
than the value of damage caused to the forest produce assessed by the Department];
(d) if the damage is worth more than twenty-five thousand rupees but less than one hundred
[47]
thousand rupees, the fine may extend to five hundred thousand rupees [but shall not be
less than the value of damage caused to the forest produce assessed by the Department]; and
(e) if the damage is worth more than one hundred thousand rupees, the fine may extend to ten
[48]
times value of the damage [but shall not be less than the value of damage caused to the
forest produce assessed by Department].
[49]
[(3-a) In case an offender refuses to pay the value of damage and corresponding amount of fine for
the offence, the imprisonment period shall be:
(a) seven days if the damage is worth above twenty-five thousand rupees but less than fifty
thousand rupees;
(b) ten days if the damage is worth above fifty thousand rupees but less than seventy-five
thousand rupees;
(c) fifteen days if the damage is worth above seventy-five thousand rupees but less than one
hundred thousand rupees;
(d) one month if the damage is worth above one hundred thousand rupees but less than one
hundred fifty thousand rupees;
(e) two months if the damage is worth above one hundred fifty thousand rupees but less than two
hundred fifty thousand rupees;
(f) three months if the damage is worth above two hundred fifty thousand rupees but less than five
hundred thousand rupees;
(g) four months if the damage is worth above five hundred thousand rupees but less than seven
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(g) four months if the damage is worth above five hundred thousand rupees but less than seven
hundred thousand rupees;
(h) five months if the damage is worth above seven hundred thousand rupees but less than ten
hundred thousand rupees; and
(i) six months if the damage is worth above ten hundred thousand rupees.]
(4) If a person commits any offence under this section after sunset and before sunrise or where the
person has been previously convicted for a forest offence, the person shall be liable to punishment of
imprisonment which may extend to one year or double of the fine mentioned in sub-section (3) or to both.
(5) Nothing in this section shall be deemed as an offence, if the act is done–
(a) with the permission in writing of the forest officer, or in accordance with the rules; and
(b) in exercise of any right under the Act, rules, grant or contract made by the Government.
(6) If fire in a reserved forest is caused willfully or by gross negligence, the Government may suspend
exercise of any or all rights of pasture or to forest produce, for such period as it may determine.
(7) The Government may, after affording an opportunity of hearing and for reasons to be recorded in
writing, extinguish a right or interest of a person in a reserved forest.
(8) The forest officer shall seize the forest produce in respect of which an offence is committed together
with any tool, carriage wagon, cart or other vehicle for transport and anything used in the commission of the
offence.]

[50]
[26-A. Removal of encroachments etc., from reserved forests.– (1) A Court convicting an accused
person of an offence under clause (h) of sub-section (1) of section 26 shall direct the accused, if he or any
other person on his behalf be in possession of the land in respect of which he is convicted, to deliver
possession of the same within such period not exceeding thirty days, as the Court may fix in this behalf, to
the prescribed Forest Officer, and to remove within the said period any encroachments which the accused
may have put up or erected on such land.
[51]
[(2) If the Court directs an accused person under sub-section (1) to deliver possession of land in a
reserved forest to the prescribed forest officer or to remove the encroachment and the person fails to deliver
the possession or remove the encroachment within the specified period, the Court may–
(a) direct ejectment of the person from the land or removal of the encroachment with such
force as may be necessary and in such manner as may be prescribed;
(b) impose upon the accused person, a fine which may extend to one thousand rupees for every
day, after the period fixed by the Court under the provisions of sub-section (1) has expired
and the person remains in possession of the land or fails to remove the encroachment on
such land; and
(c) direct the accused person to pay to the Government the expenditure incurred by the
Government on removal of the encroachment.]
[52]
[27. Power to declare forest no longer reserved.– (1) The Government shall not declare or notify a
reserved forest or any part of the reserved forest as being no longer reserved forest.
(2) The Government shall not allow change in land use of a reserved forest, except for the purposes of
right of way, building of roads and development of a forest park, but the Government shall not allow
construction of concrete building or permanent structure in the reserved forest.]
[53]
[(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, the Government, with the approval of the
Provincial Cabinet, may, by notification in the official Gazette, declare a reserved forest or any part of a
reserved forest as no longer reserved forest, if the organization requiring reserved forest land:
(a) satisfies the Government with cogent reasons in writing that there is no other option but to
use the proposed reserved forest land for purposes of a national project of strategic
importance;

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(b) provide a substitute plant-able land agreed to by the Government, which is:
(i) equal to or bigger than the reserved forest land;
(ii) in a compact form and is, as far as possible, situated close to the reserved forest land;
and
(c) provide funds for immediate forestation and maintenance of the substitute land as may be
prescribed.
(4) The Government shall, by notification, declare the substitute land provided under subsection (3) as
the reserved forest.]
CHAPTER III
OF VILLAGE-FORESTS
[54]
28. Formation of village forests.– (1) The [Government] may assign to any village-community the
rights of Government to or over any land which has been constituted a reserved forest, and may cancel
such assignment. All forests so assigned shall be called village-forests.
[55]
[(2) The Government may make rules for management of a village-forest, conditions under which
the village community may use the forest produce other than timber and pasture and duties of the village
community for the protection and improvement of the forest.]
(3) All the provisions of this Act relating to reserved forests shall (so far as they are not inconsistent with
the rules so made) apply to village-forests.

[56]
[28-A. Unclassed forests.– (1) The Government may, by notification, declare a wasteland, not
being a reserved forest or protected forest, as unclassed forest.
(2) The Government may, by notification, direct that all or any provisions of this Act relating to a
reserved forest or protected forest, shall apply to an unclassed forest.
(3) The Government may make rules for management of an unclassed forest.]

CHAPTER IV
OF PROTECTED FORESTS
[57] [58]
29. Protected forests.– (1) The [Government] may, by notification in the [official Gazette],
declare the provisions of this Chapter applicable to any forest-land or waste-land which is not included in
a reserved forest, but which is the property of Government, or over which the Government has proprietary
rights, or to the whole or any part of the forest-produce of which the Government is entitled.
(2) The forest-land and waste-lands comprised in any such notification shall be called a “protected
forest”.
(3) No such notification shall be made unless the nature and extent of the rights of Government and of
private persons in or over the forest-land or waste-land comprised therein have been inquired into and
[59]
recorded at a survey or settlement, or in such other manner as the [Government] thinks sufficient.
Every Such record shall be presumed to be correct until the contrary is proved:
[60]
Provided that, if, in the case of any forest-land or wasteland, the [Government] thinks that such
inquiry and record are necessary, but that they will occupy such length of time as in the meantime to
[61]
endanger the rights of Government, the [Government] may, pending such inquiry and record, declare
such land to be a protected forest, but so as not to abridge or affect any existing rights of individuals or
communities.
[62]
30. Power to issue notification reserving trees, etc.– The [Government] may, by notification in the
[63]
[official Gazette],–
(a) declare any trees or class of trees in a protected forest to be reserved from a date fixed by the
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(a) declare any trees or class of trees in a protected forest to be reserved from a date fixed by the
notification;
(b) declare that any portion of such forest specified in the notification shall be closed for such term,
[64]
not exceeding thirty years, as the [Government] thinks fit, and that the rights of private
persons, if any, over such portion shall be suspended during such term, provided that the
remainder of such forest be sufficient, and in a locality reasonably convenient, for the due
exercise of the rights suspended in the portion so closed; or
(c) prohibit, from a date fixed as aforesaid, the quarrying of stone, or the burning of lime or charcoal,
or the collection or subjection to any manufacturing process, or removal of, any forest-produce in
any such forest, and the breaking up or clearing for cultivation, for building, for herding cattle or
for any other purpose, of any land in any such forest.
[65]
31. Publication of translation of such notification in neighbourhood.– The [District Officer
(Revenue)] shall cause a translation into the local vernacular of every notification issued under section 30
to be affixed in a conspicuous place in every town and village in the neighbourhood of the forest
comprised in the notification.
[66]
[32. Power to make rules for protected forests.– The Government may make rules to regulate the
following matters in relation to a protected forest–
(a) cutting, sawing, conversion and removal of trees and timber, and the collection, manufacture and
removal of forest-produce;
(b) granting of licence to an inhabitant of a town or village in the vicinity of the protected forest to
use forest produce and withdrawal of the licence;
(c) granting of licence to a person for felling or removing a tree or timber or other forest-produce
for the purpose of trade and withdrawal of the licence;
(d) payment that a licensee is required to make in respect of the licence, tree, timber or forest
produce;
(e) examination of forest produce passing out of the forest;
(f) clearing or breaking up of land for cultivation or any other purpose;
(g) protection from fire of the timber lying in the forest and a tree reserved under section 30;
(h) cutting of grass and pasturing of cattle;
(i) hunting, shooting, fishing, poisoning water and setting trap or snare;
(j) protection and management of any portion of the forest closed under section 30;
(k) exercise of a right under section 29;
(l) quarrying or mining of stones or minerals, burning of lime or charcoal, collection or removal of
any forest produce;
(m) soil, water, natural vegetation, fish, wild animals and wild birds;
(n) change of land use in the forest;
(o) protection of the forest land from encroachment;
(p) water channels, check dams, embankments, reservoirs and ponds;
(q) construction of a building, structure, hutment and cattle pen;
(r) installation of a saw mill or operation of any mechanical aid designed to cut, fashion or convert
tree or timber or fabrication of wood into articles of furniture, building material, joinery or
articles of domestic or commercial use in the forest or within five miles radius of the forest; and
(s) barbed wire fence in or around the forest.]

[67]
[33. Offences relating to protected forests.– (1) A person, who in a protected forest–
(a) fells, girdles, lops, taps or burns a tree reserved under section 30, or strips off the bark or leaves from,
or otherwise damages, the tree;
(b) contrary to any prohibition under section 30, quarries any stone, or burns any lime or charcoal,
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(b) contrary to any prohibition under section 30, quarries any stone, or burns any lime or charcoal,
or collects, subjects to any manufacturing process, or removes any forest produce;
(c) contrary to any prohibition under section 30, breaks up or clears for cultivation or any other
purpose any land of the forest;
(d) sets or kindles fire without taking reasonable precautions to prevent its spreading to any tree reserved
under section 30, whether standing, fallen or felled, or to any closed portion of the forest;
(e) leaves any fire burning in the vicinity of any reserved tree or closed portion of the forest;
(f) fells any tree or drags any timber and damages any reserved tree;
(g) permits cattle to damage any reserved tree; and
(h) infringes any rule made under section 32;
shall be punished in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(2) If a person contravenes any provision of sub-section (1), the person shall be liable to punishment
of imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or fine mentioned in sub-section (3) or to
[68]
both [but the fine shall not be less than the value of damage caused to the forest produce assessed by
the Department].
(3) The value of the damage caused due to the offence and corresponding amount of fine for the
offence shall be as follows:-
(a) if the damage is worth one thousand rupees or less, the fine may extend to ten thousand rupees
[69]
[but shall not be less than the value of damage caused to the forest produce assessed by the
Department];
(b) if the damage is worth more than one thousand rupees but less than ten thousand rupees, the
[70]
fine may extend to fifty thousand rupees [but shall not be less than the value of damage
caused to the forest produce assessed by the Department];
(c) if the damage is worth more than ten thousand rupees but less than twenty-five thousand
[71]
rupees, the fine may extend to one hundred and fifty thousand rupees [but shall not be less
than the value of damage caused to the forest produce assessed by the Department];
(d) if the damage is worth more than twenty-five thousand rupees but less than one hundred
[72]
thousand rupees, the fine may extend to five hundred thousand rupees [but shall not be less
than the value of damage caused to the forest produce assessed by the Department]; and
(e) if the damage is worth more than one hundred thousand rupees, the fine may extend to ten
[73]
times value of the damage [but shall not be less than the value of damage caused to the
forest produce assessed by Department].
[74]
[(3-a) In case an offender refuses to pay the value of damage and corresponding amount of fine for
the offence, the imprisonment period shall be:
(a) seven days if the damage is worth above twenty-five thousand rupees but less than fifty
thousand rupees;
(b) ten days if the damage is worth above fifty thousand rupees but less than seventy-five
thousand rupees;
(c) fifteen days if the damage is worth above seventy-five thousand rupees but less than one
hundred thousand rupees;
(d) one month if the damage is worth above one hundred thousand rupees but less than one
hundred fifty thousand rupees;
(e) two months if the damage is worth above one hundred fifty thousand rupees but less than two
hundred fifty thousand rupees;
(f) three months if the damage is worth above two hundred fifty thousand rupees but less than five
hundred thousand rupees;
(g) four months if the damage is worth above five hundred thousand rupees but less than seven
hundred thousand rupees;
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hundred thousand rupees;

(h) five months if the damage is worth above seven hundred thousand rupees but less than ten
hundred thousand rupees; and
(i) six months if the damage is worth above ten hundred thousand rupees.]
(4) If a person commits any offence under this section after sunset and before sunrise or where the
person has been previously convicted for a forest offence, the person shall be liable to punishment of
imprisonment which may extend to one year or double of the fine mentioned in sub-section (3) or to both.
(5) Nothing in this section shall be deemed as an offence, if the act is done–
(a) with the permission in writing of the forest officer, or in accordance with the rules; and
(b) in exercise of any right under the Act, rules, grant or contract made by the Government.
(6) If fire in a protected forest is caused willfully or by gross negligence, the Government may
suspend exercise of any or all rights of pasture or to forest produce, for such period as it may determine.]
[75]
[33-A. Power of Court to convict trespasser.– (1) A Court convicting an accused person of an office
under clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 33, shall direct the accused, if he or any other person on his
behalf be in possession of the land in respect of which he is convicted to deliver possession of the same
within such period not exceeding thirty days as the Court may fix in this behalf, to the prescribed Forest-
officer, and to remove within the said period any encroachment which the accused may have put up or
erected on such land.
[76]
[(2) If a person fails to deliver possession of land to the forest officer or to remove the
encroachment in contravention of the order of the Court under sub-section (1)–
(a) the Court may order ejectment of the person from the land or removal of the encroachment
with such force as may be necessary and in the manner as may be prescribed;
(b) the person shall be liable to fine which may extend to one thousand rupees for every day
during which the person remains in possession of the land or fails to remove the
encroachment after the expiry of the period fixed by the Court under sub-section (1); and
(c) the Government may recover from the person the expenditures incurred on removal of the
encroachment as arrears of land revenue.]]

34. Nothing in this Chapter to prohibit acts done in certain cases.– Nothing in this Chapter shall be
deemed to prohibit any act done with the permission in writing of the Forest-officer, or in accordance with
rules made under section 32, or except as regards any portion of a forest closed under section 30, or as regards
any rights the exercise of which has been suspended under section 33, in the exercise of any right recorded
under section 29.

[77]
[34-A. Power to declare forest no longer protected.– (1) The Government shall not declare or notify
a protected forest or any part of the protected forest as being no longer protected forest.
(2) The Government shall not allow change in land use of a protected forest, except for the purposes of right
of way, building of roads and development of a forest park, but the Government shall not allow construction of
concrete building or permanent structure in the protected forest.]
[78]
[(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, the Government, with the approval of the
Provincial Cabinet, may, by notification in the official Gazette, declare a protected forest or any part of a
protected forest as no longer protected forest, if the organization requiring reserved forest land:

(a) satisfies the Government with cogent reasons in writing that there is no other option
but to use the proposed protected forest land for purposes of a national project of
strategic importance;
(b) provide a substitute plant-able land agreed to by the Government, which is:
(i) equal to or bigger than the protected forest land;

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(ii)
in a compact form and is, as far as possible, situated close to the protected forest
land; and
(c) provide funds for immediate forestation and maintenance of the substitute land as may be
prescribed.
(4) The Government shall, by notification, declare the substitute land provided under subsection (3) as
the protected forest.]
CHAPTER V
OF THE CONTROL OVER FORESTS AND LANDS
NOT BEING THE PROPERTY OF GOVERNMENT
[79]
35. Protection of forests for special purposes.– (1) The [Government] may, by notification in the
[80]
[official Gazette], regulate or prohibit in any forest or waste-land–
(a) the breaking up or clearing of land for cultivation;
(b) the pasturing of cattle; or
(c) the firing or clearing of the vegetation;
when such regulation or prohibition appears necessary for any of the following purposes:-
(i) for protection against storms, winds, rolling stones, floods and avalanches;
(ii) for the preservation of the soil on the ridges and slopes and in the valleys of hilly tracts, the
prevention of land-slips or of the formation of ravines and torrents, or the protection of land
against erosion, or the deposit thereon of sand, stones or gravel;
(iii) for the maintenance of a water-supply in springs, rivers and tanks;
(iv) for the protection of roads, bridges, railways and other lines of communication;
(v) for the preservation of the public health.
[81]
(2) The [Government] may, for any such purpose, construct at its own expense, in or upon any
forest or waste-land, such work as it thinks fit.
(3) No notification shall be made under sub-section (1) nor shall any work be begun under sub-section
(2), until after the issue of a notice to the owner of such forest or land calling on him to show cause,
within a reasonable period to be specified in such notice, why such notification should not be made or
work constructed, as the case may be, and until his objections, if any, and any evidence he may produce in
support of the same, have been heard by an officer duly appointed in that behalf and have been considered
[82]
by the [Government].
36. Power to assume management of forests.– (1) In case of neglect of, or wilful disobedience to, any
regulation or prohibition under section 35, or if the purposes of any work to be constructed under that
[83]
section so require, the [Government] may, after notice in writing to the owner of such forest or land and
after considering his objections, if any, place the same under the control of a Forest-officer, and may declare
that all or any of the provisions of this Act relating to reserved forests shall apply to such forest or land.
(2) The net profits, if any, arising from the management of such forest or land shall be paid to the said
owner.
[84]
37. Expropriation of forests in certain cases.– (1) In any case under this Chapter in which the
[Government] considers that , in lieu of placing the forest or land under the control of a Forest-officer, the
[85]
same should be acquired for public purposes, the [Government] may proceed to acquire it in the
[86]
manner provided by the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 .
(2) The owner of any forest or land comprised in any notification under section 35 may, at any time
not less than three or more than twelve years from the date thereof, require that such forest or land shall be
[87]
acquired for public purposes, and the [Government] shall acquire such forest or land accordingly.

38. Protection of forests at request of owners.– (1) The owner of any land or, if there be more than one
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38. Protection of forests at request of owners.– (1) The owner of any land or, if there be more than one
owner thereof, the owners of shares therein amounting in the aggregate to at least two-thirds thereof may,
[88]
with a view to the formation or conservation of forests thereon, represent in writing to the [District
Officer (Revenue)] their desire–
(a) that such land be managed on their behalf by the Forest-officer as a reserved or a protected forest
on such terms as may be mutually agreed upon; or
(b) that all or any of the provisions of this Act by applied to such land.
[89] [90]
(2) In either case, the [Government] may, by notification in the [official Gazette], apply to such land
such provisions of this Act, as it thinks suitable to the circumstances thereof and as may be desired by the
applicants.
CHAPTER VI
OF THE DUTY ON TIMBER AND OTHER FOREST-PRODUCE
[91]
39. Power to impose duty on timber and other forest-produce.– (1) The [Government] may levy a
[92]
duty in such manner, at such places and at such rates as it may declare by notification in the [official
Gazette] on all timber or other forest-produce–
[93] [94]
(a) which is produced in [Pakistan], and in respect of which [the Government] has any right;
[95] [96]
(b) which is brought from any place outside [Pakistan] [or is transported from or to any place
within Pakistan];
[97]
[* * * * * * * * * * * *]
[98]
(2) In every case in which such duty is directed to be levied ad valorem, the [Government] may fix
by like notification the value on which such duty shall be assessed.
[99]
[* * * * * * * * * * * * *]

40. Limit not to apply to purchase-money or royalty.– Noting in this Chapter shall be deemed to limit
the amount, if any, chargeable as purchase-money or royalty on any timber or other forest-produce,
although the same is levied on such timber or produce while in transit, in the same manner as duty is
levied.

CHAPTER VII
OF THE CONTROL OF TIMBER AND OTHER
FOREST-PRODUCE IN TRANSIT
41. Power to make rules to regulate, transit of forest-produce.– (1) The control of all rivers and their
banks as regards the floating of timber, as well as the control of all timber and other forest-produce in
[100]
transit by land or water, is vested in the [Government], and it may make rules to regulate the transit of
all timber and other forest-produce.
(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may–
(a) prescribe the routes by which alone timber or other forest-produce may be imported, exported
[101]
or moved into, from or within [the Province];
(b) prohibit the import or export or moving of such timber or other produce without a pass from
an officer duly authorised to issue the same, or otherwise than in accordance with the
conditions of such pass;
(c) provide for the issue, production and return of such passes and for the payment of fees
therefor;
(d) provide for the stoppage, reporting examination and marking of timber or other forest-produce in
[102]
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[102]
transit, in respect of which there is reason to believe that any money is payable to [the
Government] on account of the price thereof, or on account of any duty, fee, royalty or charge due
thereon, or, to which it is desirable for the purposes of this Act to affix a mark;
(e) provide for the establishment and regulation of depots to which such timber or other produce
shall be taken by those incharge of it for examination, or for the payment of such money, or in
order that such marks may be affixed to it; and the conditions under which such timber or other
produce shall be brought to, stored at and removed from such depots;
(f) prohibit the closing up or obstructing of the channel or banks of any river used for the transit of
timber or other forest-produce, and the throwing of grass, brushwood, branches or leaves into
any such river or any act which may cause such river to be closed or obstructed;
(g) provide for the prevention or removal of any obstruction of the channel or banks of any such
river, and for recovering the cost of such prevention or removal from the person whose acts or
negligence necessitated the same;
[103]
[(h) prohibit absolutely or subject to conditions, within stipulated local limits, the
establishment of sawpit, sawmill, charcoal kiln, timber or fire wood depot within five miles
radius of the forest, converting, cutting, burning, concealing or making of timber, altering or
effacing of any mark on the same or possession or carrying of marking hammer; and]
(i) regulate the use of property marks for timber, and the registration of such marks; prescribe the
time for which such registration shall hold good; limit the number of such marks that may be
registered by any one person, and provide for the levy of fees for such registration.
[104]
(3) The [Government] may direct that any rule made under this section shall not apply to any
specified class of timber or other forest-produce or to any specified local area.

[105] [106]
[41-A. Powers of [Government] as to movements of timber across Customs frontiers.–
[107]
Notwithstanding anything in section 41, the [Government] may make rules to prescribe the route by
[108]
which alone timber or other forest-produce may be imported, exported or moved into or from
[109]
[Pakistan] across any customs frontier as defined by the [Government], and any rules made under
section 41 shall have effect subject to the rules made under this section.]
[110]
42. Penalty for breach of rules made under section 41.– [(1) If a person contravenes any rule, the
Government may prescribe that the person shall be liable to imprisonment which may extend to six
months or fine which may extend to one million rupees or to both.]
(2) Such rules may provide that penalties which are double of those mentioned in sub-section (1) may
be inflicted in cases where the offence is committed after sunset and before sunrise, or after preparation
for resistance to lawful authority, or where the offender has been previously convicted of a like offence.

[111]
43. Government and Forest-officers not liable for damage to forest-produce at depot.– The
[Government] shall not be responsible for any loss or damage which may occur in respect of any timber or
other forest-produce while at a depot established under a rule made under section 41, or while detained
elsewhere, for the purposes of this Act; and no Forest-officer shall be responsible for any such loss or
damage, unless he causes such loss or damage negligently, maliciously or fraudulently.

44. All persons bound to aid in case of accident at depot.– In case of any accident or emergency
involving danger to any property at any such depot, every person employed at such depot, whether by the
[112]
[Government] or by any private person, shall render assistance to any Forest-officer or Police-officer
demanding his aid in averting such danger or securing such property from damage or loss.
CHAPTER VIII
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CHAPTER VIII
OF THE COLLECTION OF DRIFT AND STRANDED TIMBER
45. Certain kinds of timber to be deemed property of Government until title thereto provided, and
may be collected accordingly.– (1) All timber found adrift, beached, stranded or sunk;
all wood or timber bearing marks which have not been registered in accordance with the rules made
under section 41, or on which the marks have been obliterated, altered or defaced by fire or otherwise; and

[113]
in such areas as the [Government] directs, all unmarked wood and timber;
shall be deemed to be the property of Government, unless and until any person establishes his right and
title thereto, as provided in this Chapter.
(2) Such timber may be collected by any Forest-officer or other person entitled to collect the same by
virtue of any rule made under section 51, and may be brought to any depot which the Forest-officer may
notify as a depot for the reception of drift timber.
[114] [115]
(3) The [Government] may, by notification in the [official Gazette] exempt any class of
timber from the provisions of this section.

46. Notice to claimants of drift timber.– Public notice shall from time to time be given by the Forest-officer
of timber collected under section 45. Such notice shall contain a description of the timber, and shall require any
person claiming the same to present to such officer, within a period not less than two months from the date of
such notice, a written statement of such claim.

47. Procedure on claim preferred to such timber.– (1) When any such statement is presented as
aforesaid, the Forest-officer may, after making such inquiry as he thinks fit, either reject the claim after
recording his reasons for so doing, or deliver the timber to the claimant.
(2) If such timber is claimed by more than one person, the Forest-officer may either deliver the same to
any of such persons whom he deems entitled thereto, or may refer the claimants to the Civil Courts, and
retain the timber pending the receipt of an order from any such Court for its disposal.
(3) Any person whose claim has been rejected under this section may, within three months from the date
of such rejection, institute a suit to recover possession of the timber claimed by him; but no person shall
[116]
recover any compensation or costs against the [Government], or against any Forest-officer, on account
of such rejection, or the detention or removal of any timber, or the delivery thereof to any other person under
this section.
(4) No such timber shall be subject to process of any Civil, Criminal or Revenue Court until it has
been delivered, or a suit has been brought, as provided in this section.

48. Disposal of unclaimed timber.– If no such statement is presented as aforesaid, or if the claimant omits to
prefer his claim in the manner and within the period fixed by the notice issued under section 46, or on such
claim having been so preferred by him and having been rejected, omits to institute a suit to recover possession
of such timber within the further period fixed by section 47, the ownership of such timber shall vest in the
government, or , when such timber has been delivered to another person under section 47, in such other person
free from all encumbrances not created by him.

[117]
49. Government and its officers not liable for damage to such timber.– The [Government] shall not
be responsible for any loss or damage which may occur in respect of any timber collected under section 45,
and no Forest-officer shall be responsible for any such loss or damage, unless he causes such loss or damage
negligently, maliciously or fraudulently.

50. Payments to be made by claimant before timber is delivered to him.– No person shall be entitled

to recover possession of any timber collected or delivered as aforesaid until he has paid to the Forest-
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to recover possession of any timber collected or delivered as aforesaid until he has paid to the Forest-
officer or other person entitled to receive it such sum on account thereof as may be due under any rule
made under section 51.

[118]
51. Power to make rules and prescribe penalties.– (1) The [Government] may make rules to
regulate the following matters, namely:-
(a) the salving, collection and disposal of all timber mentioned in section 45;
[119]
[(b) the use and registration of boats and other vehicles used in salving and collecting timber;]
(c) the amounts to be paid for salving, collecting, moving, storing or disposing of such timber; and
(d) the use and registration of hammers and other instruments to be used for marking such timber.
[120]
[(2) If a person contravenes any rule made under this section, the Government may prescribe that
the person shall be liable to imprisonment which may extend to six months or fine which may extend to
one million rupees or to both.]

CHAPTER IX
PENALTIES AND PROCEDURE
52. Seizure of property liable to confiscation.– (1) When there is reason to believe that a forest-offence
[121]
has been committed in respect of any forest-produce, such produce, together with all tools, boats,
[vehicles] or cattle used in committing any such offence, may be seized by any Forest-officer or Police-
officer.
(2) Every officer seizing any property under this section shall place on such property a mark indicating
that the same has been so seized, and shall, as soon as may be, make a report of such seizure to the Magistrate
having jurisdiction to try the offence on account of which the seizure has been made:
Provided that, when the forest-produce with respect to which such offence is believed to have been
committed is the property of Government, and the offence is unknown, it shall be sufficient if the officer
makes, as soon as may be, a report of the circumstances to his official superior.

[122]
[53. Power to release property.– A forest officer, not being below the rank of a Ranger, may release
a tool, boat, vehicle or cattle, not being the forest produce, seized under section 52, on the execution of a
bond by the owner of the property before the Magistrate, as and when required.]

54. Procedure thereupon.– Upon the receipt of any such report, the Magistrate shall, with all
convenient despatch, take such measures as may be necessary for the arrest and trial of the offender and
the disposal of the property according to law.

55. Forest produce, tools, etc., when liable to confiscation.– (1) All timber or forest-produce which is
not the property of Government and in respect of which a forest-offence has been committed, and all
[123]
tools, boats, [vehicles] and cattle used in committing any forest-offence, shall be liable to
confiscation.
(2) Such confiscation may be in addition to any other punishment prescribed for such offence.

56. Disposal on conclusion of trial for forest-offence, of produce in respect of which it was
committed.– When the trial of any forest-offence is concluded, any forest-produce in respect of which
such offence has been committed shall, if it is the property of Government or has been confiscated, be
taken charge of by a Forest-officer, and, in any other case, may be disposed of in such manner as the Court
may direct.

57. Procedure when offender not known, or cannot be found.– When the offender is not known or
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57. Procedure when offender not known, or cannot be found.– When the offender is not known or
cannot be found the Magistrate may, if he finds that an offence has been committed, order the property in
respect of which the offence has been committed to be confiscated and taken charge of by the Forest-
officer, or to be made over to the person whom the Magistrate deems to be entitled to the same:
Provided that no such order shall be made until the expiration of one month from the date of seizing
such property, or without hearing the person, if any, claiming any right thereto, and the evidence, if any,
which he may produce in support of his claim.

58. Procedure as to perishable property seized under section 52.– The Magistrate may,
notwithstanding anything hereinbefore contained, direct the sale of any property seized under section 52
and subject to speedy and natural decay, and may deal with the proceeds as he would have dealt with such
property if it had not been sold.

59. Appeal from orders under section 55, section 56, or section 57.– The officer who made the seizure
under section 52, or any of his official superiors, or any person claiming to be interested in the property so
seized, may , within one month from the date of any order passed under section 55, section 56 or section
57, appeal therefrom to the Court to which orders made by such Magistrate are ordinarily appealable, and
the order passed on such appeal shall be final.

60. Property when to vest in Government.– When an order for the confiscation of any property has
been passed under section 55 or section 57, as the case may be, and the period limited by section 59 for an
appeal from such order has elapsed, and no such appeal has been preferred, or when, on such an appeal
being preferred, the appellate Court confirms such order in respect of the whole or a portion of such
property, such property or such portion thereof, as the case may be, shall vest in the Government free from
all encumbrances.

[124]
[61. Power to release a seized property.– Notwithstanding anything contained in this Chapter, an
officer, authorized in this behalf by the Government, may direct immediate release of any property, which is
wrongfully seized under this Act, not being the property of the Government.]
62. Punishment for wrongful seizure.– Any Forest-officer or Police-officer who vexatiously and
unnecessarily seizes any property on pretence of seizing property liable to confiscation 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.
[125]
[63. Penalty for counterfeiting or defacing marks on trees and timber and for altering
boundary marks.– (1) If a person, with intent to cause damage or injury to the public or to any other
person, or to cause wrongful gain–
(a) knowingly counterfeits upon any timber or standing tree a mark used by a forest officer to
indicate that the timber or tree is the property of the Government or of some person, or that it may
lawfully be cut or removed by some person; or
(b) alters, defaces or obliterates any such mark placed on a tree or timber by or under the authority of
a forest officer; or
(c) alters, moves, destroys or defaces any boundary-mark of a forest or wasteland to which the
provisions of this Act are applied;
the person shall be liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or fine which may
extend to one million rupees or to both.
(2) If the offence under this section is committed after sunset and before sunrise or the accused is a
previous convict for a forest offence, the accused person shall be liable to double of the penalty prescribed
under sub-section (1).]
[126]
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[126]
[64. Power to arrest without warrant.– (1) A forest officer, authorized by the Government may,
without warrant, arrest a person, who is found committing an offence punishable with imprisonment under
this Act.
(2) A forest officer may seize any forest-produce, tool or vehicle used in the commission of an
offence under the Act.
(3) The forest officer shall produce the person arrested under the Act before the nearest Magistrate
within twenty-four hours of the arrest or release the arrested person on bond or send the arrested person to
the nearest police station.
(4) The forest officer shall produce the seized property before the Magistrate.]

[127]
[64-A. Procedure relating to arrests, searches, etc.– (1) If a forest officer arrests a person or
seizes a property, he shall, within twenty-four hours after the arrest or seizure, make a report of the
particulars of the arrest or seizure to his immediate superior officer.
(2) A forest officer may, without search warrant, search any vehicle, boat or place, suspected or likely
to be used for the commission of an offence under this Act.
(3) The provisions of the Code relating to arrest, seizure and search shall, as nearly as possible, apply
to the arrest, seizure and search under the Act.
(4) A forest officer, not below the rank of a divisional forest officer, shall, within ten days of the arrest
or seizure, submit a report before the Magistrate in the prescribed manner and such report shall be deemed
as the report under section 173 of the Code.
(5) The Magistrate may conduct an enquiry or trial of an offence punishable under the Act in
accordance with the procedure prescribed for the enquiry or trial under the Code.]

[128]
[65. Power to release an arrested person.– A forest officer, not being below the rank of a Ranger,
who has arrested any person under this Act, may release the person, if the person executes a bond to
appear before the Magistrate, forest officer or officer incharge of the nearest police station.]

66. Power to prevent commission of offence.– Every Forest-officer and Police-officer shall prevent,
and may interfere for the purpose of preventing, the commission of any forest-offence.

[129]
[67. Powers to try offences summarily.– (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code, a
Magistrate empowered in this behalf by the Government, may summarily try an offence punishable under
this Act and impose a punishment of imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or fine not
exceeding one million rupees or to both.
(2) The Magistrate shall conduct the trial of an offence under the Act in accordance with the
provisions of Chapter XXII of the Code relating to the summary trials.]

[130]
68. Power to compound offences.– [(1) The Government may, by notification, confer power on a
forest officer–
(a) to accept from a person against whom a reasonable suspicious exists that he has committed any
forest offence, other than an offence specified in section 62 or section 63, a sum of money which is
not less than the value of loss to the property of the Government, as compensation for the offence;
and
(b) when any property has been seized, not being the property of the Government, to release the
property on payment or without payment of compensation, as may be prescribed.]
(2) On the payment of such sum of money, or such value, or both, as the case may be, to such officer,
the suspected person, if in custody, shall be discharged, the property, if any, seized shall be released, and
no further proceedings shall be taken against such person or property.
[131]
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[131]
(3) [* * * * * * * * * * *]

[132]
[68-A. Reward in forest cases.– The Government may, by notification and in the prescribed
manner, allow a forest officer to reward a subordinate forest officer from the compensation recovered by
the forest officer under section 68 which amount shall not be more than three fourth of the amount of
compensation recovered from the person.]

69. Presumption that forest-produce belongs to Government.– When in any proceedings taken under
this Act, or in consequence of anything done under this Act, a question arises as to whether any forest-
produce is the property of the Government, such produce shall be presumed to be the property of the
Government until the contrary is proved.

CHAPTER X
CATTLE-TRESPASS
70. Cattle-Trespass Act, 1871, to apply.– Cattle trespassing in a reserved forest or in any portion of a
protected forest which has been lawfully closed to grazing shall be deemed to be cattle doing damage to a
[133]
public plantation within the meaning of section 11 of the Cattle-Trespass Act, 1871 , and may be seized
and impounded as such by any Forest-officer or Police-officer.

[134]
[71. Powers to alter fines.– The Government may, by notification, direct that in lieu of the fines
fixed under section 12 of the Cattle-Trespass Act 1871 (I of 1871), the owner or occupant of the cattle,
impounded under section 70, shall pay the fines, as the Government deems appropriate but such fines
shall not exceed the following amounts:-
for each buffalo or camel one thousand rupees
for each horse, mare, gelding, pony, colt, filly,
mule, bull, bullock, cow or heifer five hundred rupees
for each calf, ass, ram, ewe, sheep, lamb or goat two hundred rupees.]

CHAPTER XI
OF FOREST-OFFICERS
[135] [136]
72. [Government] may invest Forest-officers with certain powers.– (1) The [Government]
may invest any Forest-officer with all or any of the following powers, that it to say:-
(a) power to enter upon any land and to survey, demarcate and make a map of the same;
(b) the powers of a Civil Court to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of
documents and material objects;
[137]
(c) power to issue a search-warrant under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 ; and
(d) power to hold an inquiry into forest-offences, and, in the course of such inquiry, to receive and
record evidence.
(2) Any evidence recorded under clause (d) of sub-section (1) shall be admissible in any subsequent
trial before a Magistrate, provided that it has been taken in the presence of the accused person.

73. Forest-officers deemed public servants.– All Forest-officers shall be deemed to be public servants
[138]
within the meaning of the Pakistan Penal Code .

74. Indemnity for acts done in good faith.– No suit shall lie against any public servant for anything
done by him in good faith under this Act.

[139]
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[139]
75. Forest-officers not to trade.– Except with the permission in writing of the [Government], no Forest-
officer shall, as principal or agent, trade in timber or other forest-produce, or be or become interested in any lease
[140]
of any forest or in any contract for working any forest, whether in or outside [Pakistan].

CHAPTER XII
SUBSIDIARY RULES
[141]
76. Additional powers to make rules.– The [Government] may make rules–
(a) to prescribe and limit the powers and duties of any Forest-officer under this Act;
(b) to regulate the rewards to be paid to officers and informers out of the proceeds of fines and
confiscation under this Act;
(c) for the preservation, reproduction and disposal of trees and timber belonging to Government, but
grown on lands belonging to or in the occupation of private persons; and
(d) generally, to carry out the provisions of this Act.

[142]
[77. Penalty for breach of rules.– If a person contravenes any rule made under this Act and for
which no penalty is provided under the Act, the person shall be liable to imprisonment for a term which
may extend to six months or fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees or to both.]
[143]
78. Rules when to have force of law.– All rules made by the [Government] under this Act shall be
[144]
published in the [official Gazette], and shall thereupon, so far as they are consistent with this Act,
have effect as if enacted therein.

[145]
[CHAPTER XII-A
FOREST COMPANY
78-A. Forest company.– (1) The Government may establish a forest company under the Companies
Ordinance, 1984 (XLVII of 1984) to oversee the implementation of public private partnership on assigned
forest land or wasteland.
(2) The Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, assign a blank forest land or
wasteland owned by the Government to a forest company.
(3) The Government shall not notify a forest land or wasteland under subsection (2) unless the nature
and extent of the rights of the Government and of private persons in or over the forest land or wasteland
have been inquired into and recorded at a survey or settlement or in such other manner as the Government
deems appropriate.
(4) Subject to the Companies Ordinance, 1984 (XLVII of 1984), the Government may constitute the
Board of Directors of a forest company with equal representation from public and private sectors to
manage functioning of the forest company.
(5) The forest company shall, in addition to its Articles of Association and Memorandum of
Association, comply with the provisions of this Act and the rules.
78-B. Procedure for partnership.– (1) The forest company shall invite applications of eligible persons
through a public notice, published in at least two national daily newspapers, for public private partnership
for the development of forest on the forest land or wasteland.
(2) The eligibility criteria for an applicant shall include:
(a) availability of required technical and other human resource to undertake the project;
(b) financial capacity; and
(c) relevant experience.
(3) The forest company shall execute the afforestation plan in accordance with the Agreement signed
with the successful applicant that shall not exceed fifteen years but it may contain provision for extension
of the Agreement for one more term of fifteen years subject to satisfactory performance by the applicant.
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of the Agreement for one more term of fifteen years subject to satisfactory performance by the applicant.
(4) The forest company and the person occupying a forest land or wasteland under public private
partnership shall protect:
(a) the forest land or wasteland from any type of encroachment or use other than the permitted or
permissible use under the Agreement, this Act or the rules; and
(b) the forest produce from illegal removal, illegal cultivation or other incidents such as forest
fire, insect attack and diseases.
(5) The forest company shall deposit the profit with the Government.
(6) The forest company shall maintain record of forest produce and shall annually submit the record
of the forest produce to the Government.
(7) The Government may notify a monitoring committee to monitor and evaluate the afforestation
plan of the forest company.
(8) The forest company and the occupant shall rectify any violations to the afforestation plan
specified by the monitoring committee within sixty days.
(9) The Government may conduct third party validation to evaluate performance of the forest
company or any public private partnership project under the Act.]

CHAPTER XIII
MISCELLANEOUS
79. Persons bound to assist Forest-officers and Police-officers.– (1) Every person who exercises any
[146]
right in a [reserved, protected or unclassed forests], or who is permitted to take any forest-produce
from, or to cut and remove timber or to pasture cattle in such forest, and every person who is employed by
any such person in such forest, and every person in any village contiguous to such forest who is employed
[147] [148]
by the [Government], or who receives emoluments from the [Government] for services to be
performed to the community, shall be bound to furnish without unnecessary delay to the nearest Forest-
officer or Police-officer any information he may possess respecting the commission of, or intention to
commit, any forest-offence, and shall forthwith take steps, whether so required by any Forest-officer or
Police-officer or not,–
(a) to extinguish any forest fire in such forest of which he has knowledge or information;
(b) to prevent by any lawful means in his power any fire in the vicinity of such forest of which he has
knowledge or information from spreading to such forest,
and shall assist any Forest-officer or Police-officer demanding his aid–
(c) in preventing the commission in such forest of any forest-offence; and
(d) when there is reason to believe that any such offence has been committed in such forest, in discovering
and arresting the offender.
(2) Any person who, being bound so to do, without lawful excuse (the burden of proving which shall
lie upon such person) fails–
(a) to furnish without unnecessary delay to the nearest Forest-officer or Police-officer any information
required by sub-section (1);
(b) to take steps as required by sub-section (1) to extinguish any forest fire in a reserved or
protected forest;
(c) to prevent, as required by sub-section (1), any fire in the vicinity of such forest from spreading
to such forest; or
(d) to assist any Forest-officer or Police-officer demanding his aid in preventing the commission in such
forest of any forest-offence, or, when there is reason to believe that any such offence has been
committed in such forest, in discovering and arresting the offender;
[149]
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term [which may extend to three months or with fine
which may extend to twenty-five thousand rupees or with both].

80. Management of forests the joint property of Government and other persons.– (1) If the
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80. Management of forests the joint property of Government and other persons.– (1) If the
Government and any person be jointly interested in any forest or waste-land, or in the whole or any part of
[150]
the produce thereof, the [Government] may either–
(a) undertake the management of such forest, wasteland or produce, accounting to such person for
his interest in the same; or
(b) issue such regulations for the management of the forest, waste-land or produce by the person so
jointly interested as it deems necessary for the management thereof and the interests of all parties
therein.
[151]
(2) When the [Government] undertakes under clause (a) of sub-section (1) the management of
[152]
any forest, waste-land or produce, it may, by notification in the [official Gazette], declare that any of
the provisions contained in Chapters II and IV shall apply to such forest, waste-land or produce, and
thereupon such provisions shall apply accordingly.

[153]
[80-A. Public private partnership.– (1) Subject to the Punjab Public Private Partnership Act 2014
(IX of 2014) and any other law for the time being in force, the Government may itself or through a forest
company invite proposals for the development of a forest land or wasteland.
(2) The Government may itself or through a forest company enter into public private partnership for
the development, preservation and conservation of a forest land or wasteland.
(3) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Government may itself or through a forest company
permit any person to use a blank forest land or wasteland for increase in the productivity of the forest.
(4) The Government shall not permit use of forest land or wasteland assigned to a forest company for:
(a) construction of any permanent structure; or
(b) change of land use for the purpose other than the development of forest or forest related
activities.
(5) Subject to the Punjab Public Private Partnership Act 2014 (IX of 2014) and any other law for the
time being in force, the Government or forest company shall enter into a detailed contractual arrangement
with any person in accordance with the provision of this section.
(6) If, in the opinion of the Government or forest company, the person has violated any provision of
the Act or the contractual arrangement, the Government may, in addition to any other penalty prescribed
under the Act, recover possession of the forest land or wasteland from the occupant.
(7) Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow the Government or forest company or any other
occupant of the forestland or wasteland to permit or to do an act, which is prohibited or punishable under
the Act.]
81. Failure to perform service for which a share in produce of Government forest is enjoyed.– If any
person be entitled to a share in the produce of any forest which is the property of Government or over which
the Government has proprietary rights or to any part of the forest-produce of which the Government is entitled,
upon the condition of duly performing any service connected with such forest, such share shall be liable to
[154]
confiscation in the event of the fact being established to the satisfaction of the [Government] that such
service is no longer so performed:
Provided that no such share shall be confiscated until the person entitled thereto, and the evidence, if
any, which he may produce in proof of the due performance of such service, have been heard by an officer
[155]
duly appointed in that behalf by the [Government].

82. Recovery of money due to Government.– All money payable to the Government under this Act, or
under any rule made under this Act, or on account of the price of any forest-produce, or of expenses
incurred in the execution of this Act in respect of such produce, may, if not paid when due, be recovered
under the law for the time being in force as if it were an arrear of land-revenue.

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83. Lien on forest-produce for such money.– (1) When any such money is payable for or in respect of
any forest-produce, the amount thereof shall be deemed to be a first charge on such produce, and such
produce may be taken possession of by a Forest-officer until such amount has been paid.
(2) If such amount is not paid when due, the Forest-officer may sell such produce by public auction,
and the proceeds of the sale shall be applied first in discharging such amount.
(3) The surplus, if any, if not claimed within two months from the date of the sale by the person entitled
[156]
thereto, shall be forfeited to [Government].

84. Land required under this Act to be deemed to be needed for a public purpose under the Land
[157]
Acquisition Act, 1894.– Whenever it appears to the [Government] that any land is required for any of
the purposes of this Act, such land shall be deemed to be needed for a public purpose within the meaning of
[158]
section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 .

85. Recovery of penalties due under bond.– When any person, in accordance with any provision of this
Act, or in compliance with any rule made thereunder, binds himself by any bond or instrument to perform
any duty or act, or covenants by any bond or instrument that he, or that he and his servants and agents will
abstain from any act, the whole sum mentioned in such bond or instrument as the amount to be paid in
case of a breach of the conditions thereof may, notwithstanding anything in section 74 of the Contract Act,
[159]
1872 , be recovered from him in case of such breach as if it were an arrear of land-revenue.

[160]
[85-A. * * * * * * * * * * * * * *]
86. Repeals.– The enactments mentioned in the schedule are hereby repealed to the extent specified in
the fourth column thereof.

THE SCHEDULE
[Enactments Repealed]. Repealed by the Central Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1961 (P.O. 1 of 1961), Article
2 and Schedule.

[1]
For statement of objects and reasons, see Gazette of India, 1926, Pt. V. p. 165, and for Report of Select Committee, see ibid., p. 242.
It had been applied to Phulera in the Excluded Area of Upper Tanawal to the extent the Act is applicable in the N.W.F.P., and extended to the Excluded Area
of Upper Tanawal (N.W.F.P.) other than Phulera with effect from such date and subject to such modifications as may be notified, see N.W.F.P. (Upper
Tanawal) (Excluded Area) Laws Regulation, 1950.
[2]
The word “Indian”, omitted by the Adaptation of Central Acts and Ordinances Order, 1949 (G.G.O. 4 of 1949).
[3]
The original sub-section (2) has successively been amended by the Adaptation of Central Acts and Ordinances Order, 1949 (G.G.O. 4 of 1949), the Federal
laws (Revision and Declaration) Act, 1951 (XXVI of 1951), the Central laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (XXI of 1960), the Repealing and Amending
Ordinance, 1961 (I of 1961), Adaptation Order, 1961 and the Central Adaptation of Laws Order, 1964 (P.O. 1 of 1964), and, finally, by the Punjab Laws
(Adaptation) Order, 1974 (Pb.A.O., 1 of 1974).
[4]
Deleted by the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (Pb.A.O., 1 of 1974).
[5]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[6]
Inserted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2022 (XXVII of 2022).
[7]
Inserted by the Punjab Forest (Amendment) Act 2016 (XIV of 2016).
[8]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[9]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).

[10]
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The Forest Act, 1927 05/04/24, 14:43

[10]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[11]
Substituted for “local official Gazette”, by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the Government of India
(Adaptation of Indian Laws) Supplementary Order, 1937.
[12]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[13]
The original words “on behalf of Govt.” were first substituted by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the
Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Supplementary Order, 1937, and, then amended by the Central Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1961 (P.O. 1 of
1961), Article 2 (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956), to read as above.
[14]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[15]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[16]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[17]
Inserted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[18]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[19]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[20]
Inserted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[21]
I of 1894.
[22]
Substituted for the word “Collector” by the Forest (Amendment) Ordinance, 2001 (XLVI of 2001).
[23]
Substituted for the word “Collector” by the Forest (Amendment) Ordinance, 2001 (XLVI of 2001).
[24]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[25]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[26]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[27]
Substituted for the word “Collector” by the Forest (Amendment) Ordinance, 2001 (XLVI of 2001).
[28]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[29]
Substituted for “local official Gazette” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the Government of India
(Adaptation of Indian Laws) Supplementary Order, 1937.
[30]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[31]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[32]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[33]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[34]
I of 1894.
[35]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[36]
Substituted for “local official Gazette” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the Government of India
(Adaptation of Indian Laws) Supplementary Order, 1937.
[37]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[38]
The original words “on behalf of the Govt.” were first substituted by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the
Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Supplementary Order, 1937, and, then amended by the Central Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1961 (P.O. 1 of
1961), Article 2 (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956), to read as above.
[39]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[40]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[41]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).

[42]
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The Forest Act, 1927 05/04/24, 14:43

[42]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[43]
Inserted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2022 (XXVII of 2022).
[44]
Inserted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2022 (XXVII of 2022).
[45]
Inserted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2022 (XXVII of 2022).
[46]
Inserted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2022 (XXVII of 2022).
[47]
Inserted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2022 (XXVII of 2022).
[48]
Inserted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2022 (XXVII of 2022).
[49]
Inserted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2022 (XXVII of 2022).
[50]
Substituted by the Forest (West Pakistan Amendment) Act, 1964 (VII of 1964).
[51]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[52]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[53]
New subsections (3) and (4) inserted by the Punjab Forest (Amendment) Act 2016 (XXVI of 2016).
[54]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010) for the words “Provincial Government”.
[55]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010) for the words “Provincial Government”.
[56]
Inserted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[57]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010), for the words “Provincial Government”.
[58]
Substituted for “local official Gazette” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the Government of India
(Adaptation of Indian Laws) Supplementary Order, 1937.
[59]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[60]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[61]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[62]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[63]
Substituted for “local official Gazette” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the Government of India
(Adaptation of Indian Laws) Supplementary Order, 1937.
[64]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[65]
Substituted for the word “Collector” by the Forest (Amendment) Ordinance, 2001 (XLVI of 2001).
[66]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[67]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[68]
Inserted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2022 (XXVII of 2022).
[69]
Inserted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2022 (XXVII of 2022).
[70]
Inserted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2022 (XXVII of 2022).
[71]
Inserted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2022 (XXVII of 2022).
[72]
Inserted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2022 (XXVII of 2022).
[73]
Inserted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2022 (XXVII of 2022).
[74]
Inserted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2022 (XXVII of 2022).
[75]
Added by the Forest (West Pakistan Amendment) Act, 1964 (VII of 1964).
[76]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act, 2010 (XVII of 2010).

[77]
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The Forest Act, 1927 05/04/24, 14:43

[77]
Inserted by the Forest (Amendment) Act, 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[78]
New subsections (3) and (4) inserted by the Punjab Forest (Amendment) Act 2016 (XXVI of 2016).
[79]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[80]
Substituted for “local official Gazette” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the Government of India
(Adaptation of Indian Laws) Supplementary Order, 1937.
[81]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[82]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[83]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[84]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[85]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[86]
I of 1894.
[87]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[88]
Substituted for the word “Collector” by the Forest (Amendment) Ordinance, 2001 (XLVI of 2001).
[89]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[90]
Substituted for “local official Gazette” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the Government of India
(Adaptation of Indian Laws) Supplementary Order, 1937.
[91]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[92]
Substituted for “local official Gazette”, by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the Government of India
(Adaptation of Indian Laws) Supplementary Order, 1937.
[93]
Substituted by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (XXI of 1960), section 3 and 2nd Schedule (with effect from the 14th October 1955),
for “the Provinces and the Capital of the Federation”, which had been Substituted by Adaptation Order, 1949, for “British India”.
[94]
The original words “the Govt.” were first substituted by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the
Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Supplementary Order, 1937, and, then amended by the Central Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1961 (P.O. 1 of
1961), Article 2 (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956), to read as above.
[95]
Substituted, by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (XXI of 1960), section 3 and 2nd Schedule (with effect from the 14th October 1955), for “the
Province and the Capital of the Federation”, which had been substituted by the Adaptation of Central Acts and Ordinances Order, 1949 (G.G.O. 4 of 1949), for “British
India”.
[96]
Added by the Forest Laws Amendment Ordinance, 1962 (X of 1962), section 2.
[97]
Proviso omitted by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian
Laws) Supplementary Order, 1937.
[98]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[99]
Sub-sections (3) and (4) omitted by the Forest Laws Amendment Ordinance, 1962 (X of 1962), section 2.
[100]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[101]
Substituted for “British India”, by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the Government of India
(Adaptation of Indian Laws) Supplementary Order, 1937.
[102]
The original word “Government” was first substituted by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the
Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Supplementary Order, 1937, and then amended by Adaptation Order, 1961, Article 2 (with effect from the
23rd March, 1956), to read as above.
[103]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act, 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[104]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act, 2010 (XVII of 2010) for the words “Provincial Government”.
[105]
Section 41-A, inserted by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the Government of India (Adaptation of
Indian Laws) Supplementary Order, 1937.

[106]
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The Forest Act, 1927 05/04/24, 14:43

[106]
Substituted for the words “Federal Government”, by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[107]
Substituted for the words “Federal Government”, by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[108]
Substituted, by the Central laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (XXI of 1960), section 3 and 2nd Schedule (with effect from the 14th October, 1955), for
“the Provinces and the Capital of the Federation” which had been substituted by the Adaptation of Central Acts and Ordinances Order, 1949 (G.G.O. 4 of 1949),
for “British India”.
[109]
Substituted for the words “Federal Government”, by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[110]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[111]
Substituted by the Central Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1961 (P.O. 1 of 1961), Article 2 (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956), for “Crown”, which had
been substituted by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws)
Supplementary Order, 1937, for the word “Government”.
[112]
Substituted by the Central Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1961 (P.O. 1 of 1961), Article 2 (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956), for “Crown”, which had
been substituted by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws)
Supplementary Order, 1937, for the word “Government”.
[113]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[114]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[115]
Substituted for “local official Gazette” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the Government of India
(Adaptation of Indian Laws) Supplementary Order, 1937.
[116]
Substituted by the Central Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1961 (P.O. 1 of 1961), Article 2 (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956) for “Crown”, which had
been substituted by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws)
Supplementary Order, 1937, for “Government”.
[117]
Substituted by the Central Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1961 (P.O. 1 of 1961), Article 2 (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956) for “Crown”, which had
been substituted by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws)
Supplementary Order, 1937, for “Govt”.
[118]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government”, by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[119]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government”, by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[120]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[121]
Substituted by the Forest (Punjab Amendment) Act, 1948 (IV of 1948), for “carts”.
[122]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[123]
Substituted by the Forest (Punjab Amendment) Act, 1948 (IV of 1948), for “carts”.
[124]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[125]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[126]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[127]
Inserted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[128]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[129]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[130]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[131]
Omitted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[132]
Inserted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[133]
I of 1871.
[134]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[135]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010), for the words “Provincial Government”.

[136]
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The Forest Act, 1927 05/04/24, 14:43

[136]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010), for the words “Provincial Government”.
[137]
V of 1898.
[138]
XLV of 1860.
[139]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[140]
Substituted by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (XXI of 1960), section 3 and Schedule (with effect from 14th October, 1955), for “the
Provinces and the Capital of the Federation”, which had been substituted by the Adaptation of Central Acts and Ordinances Order, 1949 (G.G.O. 4 of 1949), for
“British India”.
[141]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[142]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[143]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[144]
Substituted for “local official Gazette” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the Government of India
(Adaptation of Indian Laws) Supplementary Order, 1937.
[145]
New Chapter inserted by the Punjab Forest (Amendment) Act 2016 (XIV of 2016).
[146]
Substituted for the words “reserved or protected forest” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[147]
Substituted by the Central Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1961 (P.O. 1 of 1961), Article 2 (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956), for “Crown”, which had
been substituted by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws)
Supplementary Order, 1937, for “Government”.
[148]
Substituted by the Central Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1961 (P.O. 1 of 1961), Article 2 (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956), for “Crown”, which had
been substituted by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws)
Supplementary Order, 1937, for “Government”.
[149]
Substituted for the words “which may extend to one month or with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees or with both” by the Forest
(Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[150]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010), for the words “Provincial Government”.
[151]
Substituted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010), for the words “Provincial Government”.
[152]
Substituted, for “local official Gazette” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, as amended by the Government of India
(Adaptation of Indian Laws) Supplementary Order, 1937.
[153]
Substituted for the following by the Punjab Forest (Amendment) Act 2016 (XIV of 2016);
“80-A. Public private partnership for development of forests.– (1) Subject to any other law, the Government may invite proposals from the private
sector for the development of a forest, forest land or wasteland.
(2) The Government may enter into public private partnership for the development, preservation and conservation of a forest.
(3) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Government may permit any person to use a forest land or wasteland for–
(a) increase in the productivity of the forest;
(b) developing the forest park without disturbing the natural features of the forest;
(c) developing a forest on a forest land or wasteland; or
(d) developing forest based industry without disturbing the natural features of the forest.
(4) The Government shall not permit use of forest land or wasteland for–
(a) construction of a permanent structure; or
(b) change of land use for the purpose other than development of forest or forest related activities; or
(c) a housing project.
(5) Subject to any other law, the Government shall enter into a detailed contractual arrangement with any person in accordance with the provision
of this section.
(6) If, in the opinion of the Government, the person has violated any provision of the Act or the contractual arrangement, the Government may, in
addition to any other penalty prescribed under the Act, recover possession of the forest land or wasteland from the person.
(7) Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow the Government or any person to permit or to do an act, which is prohibited or punishable
under the Act.”
[154]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[155]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[156]
Substituted by the Central Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1961 (P.O. 1 of 1961), Article 2, for “His Majesty” (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956).
[157]
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).
[158]
I of 1894.
[159]
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The Forest Act, 1927 05/04/24, 14:43

[159]
IX of 1872.
[160]
Section 85-A omitted by the Forest (Amendment) Act 2010 (XVII of 2010).

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