State Act

The Odisha Forest Act, 1972.

55-A. Sandal-trees to be exclusive property of State Government :– (1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any law, contract, grant or other instruments but save as provided in Section 55-B. (i) all sandal trees which may grow in any land on or after the date of commencement of the Odisha Forest (Amendment) Act, 1990; and (ii) all sandal trees existing on any land prior to the commencement of the Odisha Forest (Amendment) Act, 1990 shall be the exclusive property of the State Government. (2) Where, in any proceedings taken under this Act, a question arises as to whether any sandal wood is the property of the State Government, it shall, until the contrary is proved, be presumed to be the part of a sandal tree which was the exclusive property of State Government under Sub-Section (1), and in the case of any prosecution, the burden of proving the contrary shall lie on the accused.