Report No. 249

40. Madras Forest (Validation) Act, Act 21 of 1882

Category: Environmental Law

Recommendation: Repeal after consultation with the State of Tamil Nadu.

This Act was enacted to remove doubts regarding the Tamil Nadu Forest Act, also enacted in 1882. The purpose of this Act has been fulfilled. Since the subject-matter of forests falls in the Concurrent List (See, Entry 17A, List III, Seventh Schedule), the Central Government is competent to repeal this Act.

Hence, the Central Government should repeal this Act after consultation with the State of Tamil Nadu, and after inserting a suitable savings clause. This Act has been recommended for repeal by the PC Jain Commission Report (Appendix A-1).