ABRAHAM K.L. Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE main question that arises for consideration in this revision is whether the show cause notice issued before confiscation under Section 61A of the Kerala Forest Act, 1961 (for short, the "Forest Act"), is bad for want of particulars of the evidence relied on by the authorised officer for confiscating the vehicle used for committing a forest offence.

(2.) THIS revision is filed challenging the final order passed by the District Court, Palakkad in an appeal filed by the revision petitioner against the order passed by the Divisional Forest Officer, Mannarkad, under Section 61A of the Forest Act.

(3.) THE Divisional Forest Officer, after analysing the evidence of the witnesses, who were questioned by the Range Officer, came to a conclusion that the vehicle of the petitioner was involved in committing the forest offence and, accordingly, ordered its confiscation in terms of Section 61A of the Forest Act. Challenging the said order, the petitioner herein, filed an appeal before the District Court, Palakkad, which confirmed the order passed by the Divisional Forest Officer.