- When duty is levied by way of tax on [excise trees] [Substituted by Act 1 of 1971 w.e.f. 7-8-1970] under section 23 and [excise trees] [Substituted by Act 1 of 1971 w.e.f. 7-8-1970] are tapped without licence, the tax due shall be recoverable primarily from the tapper or in default by him, from the occupier, if any, of the land, or if the trees do not belong to the occupier of the land, or if the land is not occupied, from the person, if any, who owns or is in possession of the trees, unless he proves that the trees were tapped without his consent.
