45. Procedure when offender is not known or cannot be found.
- When the offender is not known or cannot be found, the Magistrate, if he is of opinion [that an offence has been committed, subject to section 49-G] [Substituted for the words 'that an offence has been committed' by Tamil Nadu Forest (Amendment) Act, 1992 (Tamil Nadu Act 44 of 1992).] may, on application in this behalf, order the property in respect of which the offence has been committed to be confiscated and taken possession of by or under the authority of the District Forest Officer, or to be made over to any person whom the [Magistrate] [Now, judicial Magistrate.] considers 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.The Magistrate shall cause a notice of any application under this section to be served upon any person whom he has reason to believe is interested in the property seized, or shall publish such notice in any way which he things fit.
