Indian Forest Act, 1927
57. Procedure
when offender not known or cannot be found, -
When the offender is not known or cannot be
found, the Magistrate may, if he finds that an offence has been committed,
order the property in respect of which the offence has been committed to be
confiscated and taken charge of by the Forest-officer, or to be made over to
the person whom the Magistrate deems to be entitled to the same:
Provided that no such order
shall be made until the expiration of one month from the date of seizing such
property, or without hearing the person, if any, claiming any right thereto,
and the evidence, if any, which he may produce in support of his claim.