Section 12(b) in The Himachal Pradesh Forest (Settlement) Rules 1965, As Amended By First Amendment Rules 1975
(b)The Forest Settlement Officer is bound by law to make down writing all statements of the claims made under section 6 of the Act and to enquire into the same; and even in the case of practices not actually brought to his notice, under section 6, it will be his duty to ascertain all that may be ascertainable on the subject from the records of the Administration and the evidence of the persons likely to be acquainted with the same and to deal with such practices as if the claim thereto had been formerly preferred under section 6. Forest Officer attending the inquiry) if application is made to compel attendance of witnesses the production of documents.
