Section 37 in Gudalur Janmam Estates (Abolition and Conversion into Ryotwari) Rules, 1974
37. Decision of questions regarding forests.
(1)The Settlement Officer shall determine questions regarding forests under section 53 either suo motu or an application.(2)Any person requiring a decision under section 53 shall apply to the Settlement Officer in Form No. 14.(3)Except, where the application is on behalf of Government, it shall be signed and verified by the applicant.(4)Every such application shall be restricted to the lands in a holding of a janmam estate in a single village.(5)Every such application shall be presented in person or sent by registered post.(6)As many copies of the application, as there are respondents with one additional copy for the Tahsildar of the Taluk in which the land is situated, shall be filed with the application(7)On receipt of the application, the Settlement Officer shall fix a date for hearing and issue notice in Form No. 15 to the applicant, the respondents and the Tahsildar of the Taluk. A copy of the application shall be sent along with the notice.(8)The Settlement Officer shall make a summary enquiry into the application and give his decision in writing, after giving the parties a reasonable opportunity for adducing evidence(9)A copy of the order shall be served on the applicant and on each of the respondents. A copy shall also be sent to the Officer immediately superior to the Officer making the enquiry and to the Tahsildar of the taluk.
