Powers of authorised officers

(1) The Minister may from time to time by Order empower an officer by name or as holding an office– (a) to seize any chicle in respect of which there is reason to believe that a chicle offence has been committed, provided that a report of such seizure shall be made without avoidable delay to the magistrate, (b) to release any chicle which has been seized under paragraph (a) or under section 4 either on payment of the value thereof as estimated by such officer, or on the execution by the owner thereof of a bond with or without sureties for the production of the chicle so released if and when so required before a magistrate; (c) to have the powers of a justice of the peace to release any person arrested under the provisions of section 5 upon such person entering into a recognisance; (d) to enter upon any land for the purpose of topographical or forest reconnaissance, provided that– (i) notice shall be given either by publication in the Gazette or by written intimation to the owner of such lands; and (ii) no action shall lie against any officer so authorised in respect of anything 8 Chicle Protection done bona fide in connection with such survey or reconnaissance on the land of any person; (e) to hold an inquiry into chicle offences and in the course of such inquiry to receive and record evidence. (2) Nothing contained in paragraph (d) shall debar the lawful claim of any person for compensation for any damage actually sustained. (3) Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to prevent the Minister from directing at any time the immediate release of any property seized under paragraph (a), provided that such release is ordered before the said property is made an exhibit in the court of summary jurisdiction, and the withdrawal of any charge made in respect of such property. bonds.