Section 20 in Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2008
20. Confiscation of vessel, vehicle, etc.
(1)After obtaining a report regarding seizure under section 12 or section 19, the [District Collector] [Substituted 'Collector' by Act No. 41 of 2017, dated 30.12.2017] may, if he thinks fit, order confiscation of the object seized:Provided that the owner or the person in custody of the same, shall be given an option to pay, in lieu of its confiscation, a sum equal to one and a half times the value of the seized articles, as may be determined by the District Collector.[Provided further that the District Collector may take any action, in such manner' as may be prescribed, to dispose the seized clay, sand, earth etc. and cause to remit the sums collected to the Fund.] [Inserted by Act No. 41 of 2017, dated 30.12.2017](2)No order of confiscation under sub-section (1) shall be made by the District Collector unless the owner thereof has been given an opportunity of being heard in the matter.(3)No order of confiscation under sub-section (1) shall be invalid merely by reason of any defect or irregularity in the notice given under sub-section (2), if the provisions have been substantially complied with.
