Section 55. Tenant's rights in tree existing at the commencement of the Act.

(1) Any tree standing at the commencement of this Act on the holding of a tenant, not being a sub-tenant, shall vest in such tenant, if he has continuously been in possession of such holding for not less than twelve years immediately before such commencement. (2) If a tree does not vest in such tenant under sub-section (1), he may-- (i) if such tree hinders the cultivation of the folding, fell it with the previous sanction of the tahsildar and after notice in writing to the landlord or his agent, and deliver the timber thereof to such landlord or agent; or (ii) appropriate such tree and pay to the landholder such price as the tahsildar may, on the application of the tenant, fix. (3) The tahsildar shall, if the order giving or refusing sanction for felling, such tree or fixing the price thereof is passed in a contested case, submit the record of the case for confirmation of the order passed by him to the sub-divisional officer.