Section 15. Penalty.

If any person contravenes any of the provision of this Act or the rules made thereunder- (a) he shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to one year or with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees, or with both; (b) the minor forest produce in respect of which such contravention has been made or such part thereof as the court may deem fit, and any boat, vehicle other than a cart drawn by animals, vessel or other conveyance or any other articles used in committing such offence, shall be liable to confiscation: Provided that if the court is of the opinion that it is not necessary to direct confiscation in respect of the whole or as the case may be, any part of the minor forest produce or other property, it may, for reasons to be recorded, refrain from doing so.