(1)When, in any case tried by him, the Magistrate decides that anything is liable to confiscation under section 66, he may either order confiscation or give the owner of such thing an option to pay in lieu of confiscation, such fine as the Magistrate thinks fit.(2)Whenever anything is liable to confiscation under section 66 and the offender or the person entitled to possession is not known or cannot be found, the case shall inquired into and determined by the Collector, who may order confiscation:Provided that no such order shall be made until the expiration of one month from the date of seizing the thing intended to be confiscated, or without hearing any person who may claim any right thereto and the evidence (if any) which he produces in support of his claim:Provided, further, that if the thing in question is liable to speedy and natural decay, or if the Collector is of opinion that its sale would be for the benefit of its owner, the Collector may at any time direct it to be sold, and the provisions of this sub-section shall, as nearly as may be practicable, apply to the net proceeds of the sale.
