FORFEITURE OF PROPERTY DERIVED FROM ILLEGAL HUNTING AND TRADECentral

Section 58S of The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

1[58S. Information to competent authority.-- (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, the competent authority shall have power to require any officer or authority of the Central Government or a State Government or a local authority to furnish information in relation to such persons, on points or matters as in the opinion of the competent authority will be useful for, or relevant to, the purposes of this Chapter.

(2)Every officer referred to in section 58T may furnish suo motu any information available with him to the competent authority if in the opinion of the officer such information will be useful to the competent authority for the purposes of this Chapter.]

Summary

The competent authority can demand information from any officer or authority belonging to the Central or State Government.
Local authorities, like city councils, are also required to provide information when asked.
Information can be requested on any point that the authority believes is useful for the purposes of this Chapter.
Specific officers listed in the law are encouraged to volunteer information they have without being asked first.
This voluntary sharing of information is known as acting "suo motu" or on their own initiative.

Practical examples

1The competent authority writes to the local Municipal Corporation to get the property ownership records of a suspected ivory dealer.

2A police officer discovers a secret ledger during a routine traffic stop and immediately sends a copy to the wildlife authority because it shows illegal animal sales.

FAQ

1. Who must provide information to the competent authority under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972?

Under Section 58S of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, any officer or authority of the Central Government, State Government, or a local authority can be required to furnish information.

2. Can a local village panchayat refuse to give information under Section 58S of the 1972 Act?

No, Section 58S of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 grants the authority power to require local authorities to furnish information relevant to the case.

3. Can a police officer share information about poaching assets voluntarily under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972?

Yes, Section 58S of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 allows officers to furnish information on their own initiative if it is useful for forfeiture proceedings.

Test yourself

Q1.Under Section 58S of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, who has the power to require a government officer to furnish information?

Q2.Which level of government is NOT mentioned as a source of information in Section 58S of the 1972 law?

Q3.What does it mean if an officer provides information "suo motu" under Section 58S of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972?

Q4.Based on Section 58S and Section 58T of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which of these officers can volunteer info to the authority?

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