Section 58L of The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
1[58L. Procedure in relation to certain trust properties.-- In the case of any person referred to in sub-clause (vi) of clause (b) of section 58B, if the competent authority, on the basis of the information and materials available to it, for reasons to be recorded in writing believes that any property held in trust is illegally acquired property, it may serve a notice upon the author of the trust, or as the case may be, the contributor of the assets out of or by means of which such property was acquired by the trust and the trustees, calling upon them within a period of thirty days specified in the notice, to explain the source of money or other assets out of or by means of which such property was acquired or, as the case may be, the source of money or other assets which were contributed to the trust for acquiring such property and thereupon such notice shall be deemed to be a notice served under section 58H and all the other provisions of this Chapter shall apply accordingly. Explanation.--For the purposes of this section "illegally acquired property" in relation to any property held in trust, includes--
- (i)any property which if it had continued to be held by the author of the trust or the contributor of such property to the trust would have been illegally acquired property in relation to such author or contributor;
- (ii)any property acquired by the trust out of any contributions made by any person which would have been illegally acquired property in relation to such person had such person acquired such property out of such contributions.]
Summary
- The government can investigate property held in a trust if they suspect it was acquired through illegal hunting or trade.
- Authorities send a legal notice to the person who created the trust or anyone who gave money to it.
- The trustees of the trust also receive this notice.
- If the explanation is not satisfactory, the trust property can be taken by the state following the standard forfeiture rules.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. How does Section 58L of The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 handle trust assets?
Under Section 58L of The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, if authorities believe trust property is tied to illegal hunting, they can demand the creator and trustees explain the source of the funds.
2. Who receives a notice under Section 58L of the Wild Life Act?
A notice under Section 58L of the Wild Life Act is served to the author of the trust, any person who contributed assets to it, and the trustees.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 58L of The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, what must a trustee do after receiving a notice?
Q2.Who is NOT listed as a recipient of the notice described in Section 58L of The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972?
Q3.According to Section 58L of The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, what is the deadline for responding to the notice?
Q4.Under Section 58L of The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, a notice issued to a trust is treated as if it were a notice under which other section?