(3)[] [This section (2) was inserted by section 9 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition (Amendment), Act, 1958 (Tamil Nadu Act, VIII of 1958).] When an offence against Ibis Act has been committed but the offender is not known, or cannot be found, or when anything liable to confiscation under this Act and not in the possession of any person cannot be satisfactorily accounted for, the case shall be inquired into and determined by the Collector of other Prohibition Officer in charge of the district or by any other officer authorized by the [State] [This word was substituted for the word 'Provincial by the Adaptation Order of 1950.] Government in that behalf, who [shall order such confiscation] [Substituted 'may order such confiscation' by Tamil Nadu Act No. 9 of 1979.] :Provided that no such order shall be made until the expiration of fifteen days from the date of seizing the things intended to be confiscated or without hearing the persons, if any, claiming any right thereto, and evidence, if any, which they produce in support of their claims.
