(1) If there is reasonable cause to believe that an offense punishable under this Act has been committed, forest technical staff of at least Grade II listed in the Gazette or staff of Assistant Police Inspector rank may search any place in accordance with the prevailing law. Explanation: For the purposes of this section, "premises" means a permanent or temporary building or structure and the term also includes vacant land, tents, boats and vehicles of various kinds.
(2) According to sub-section (1), the person who conducts the search shall search the premises only after informing the owner or the person who is using the place immediately before entering the place.
(3) According to sub-section (1), at least one officer or member of the concerned local level and at least two witnesses shall be kept under their supervision while searching the premises.
(4) If a search is to be conducted in a house where a man resides, notice and an opportunity to leave should be given if there is a woman in that house.
(5) Nothing contained in this section shall entitle a search officer to enter a house inhabited by persons from sunset to sunrise.