(1)Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing provisions of this Chapter [or in any other law], where a forest offence is believed to have been committed in respect of timber, [ivory, [gulmavu (machilus marantha) bark, dalchini bark, Halmaddi (exudation of ailantus malabricum), canes] [Substituted by Act 1 of 1981 w.e.f. 23.2.1981.], firewood and charcoal which is the property of the State Government or in respect of sandalwood]3, the officer seizing the property under sub-section (1) of section 62 shall, without any unreasonable delay produce it, together with all tools, ropes, chains, boats, vehicles and cattle used in committing such offence, before an officer authorised by the State Government in this behalf by notification in the official Gazette, not being below the rank of an Assistant Conservator of Forests (hereinafter referred to as the authorised officer).
