Section 4 in The Maharashtra Transfer of Ownership of Minor Forest Produce in the Scheduled Areas and the Maharashtra Minor Forest Produce (Regulation of Trade) (Amendment) Act, 1997
4. Ownership of Minor Forest Produce to vest in Panchayat.
(1)The ownership of minor forest produce found in the Government lands in the Scheduled Areas, excluding the National Parks and Sanctuaries, shall vest in the Panchayat within whose jurisdiction such area falls.Explanation. - The expressions "National Parks" and "Sanctuaries" used in this section shall have the same meaning respectively, assigned to them under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.(2)For removal of doubts, it is declared that the ownership of minor forest produce shall not include the ownership of land or trees in that Panchayat area and the same shall be governed by the provisions of the Indian Forests Act, 1927.(3)If any dispute arises regarding the ownership of minor forest produce among the Panchayats, the decision of the State Government shall be final.
