Section 18(3) in Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1983
(3)[ (a) The fishing vessels engaged in unlawful activities other than fishing and found guilty or violating any provisions of the Act, shall be impounded by the authorised officer and on adjudication they shall be confiscated and either be disposed in public auction or destroyed upon orders of the adjudicating officer or by any other competent authority in the presence of panel of members.Explanation. - For the purpose of this section, "Panel of members" includes an officer not below the rank of Village Administrative Officer in the Revenue Department and an officer not below the rank of Sub-Inspector in the Police Department, in addition to the officer not below the rank of Sub-Inspector of Fisheries in the Fisheries Department.(b)While fishing in the sea, if any person found, engaged in illegal activities which amount to be a cognizable offence, by an officer of the Department of Fisheries, a case be registered under relevant section of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Central Act XLV of 1860) and any other relevant Act for the time being in force by the police on a written request to be made by the authorised officer concerned.]
