Hyderabad: The state government has introduced the AP Forest Act 1967 amendment bill making forest offences cognizable and non-bailable and it also enhances punishment.
As per the bill, all forest offences will be cognizable and non-bailable as per section 62A. This will give concurrent powers to police officers for arrest and investigation as per section 156 of the code of criminal procedure, 1973.
In every case, where any of the violations relate to red sanders wood or sandal wood or any scheduled tree, the accused shall, upon conviction, be punishable with jail for up to 10 years and fine to the maximum of Rs 10 lakh.
In case of first offence, the jail term shall not be less than five years and the amount of fine shall not be less than Rs 3 lakh. For a second time and subsequent offences, the jail term shall not be less than seven years and the amount of fine shall not be less than Rs 5 lakh.
The government, by notification, may constitute special courts headed by a magistrate to try forest offences and this will facilitate quick disposal of forest offence cases, as per the bill provisions.
