In his counter, the Divisional Forest Officer, Nizamabad, stated that the petitioner had violated Rules 7 and 9 of Andhra Pradesh Sawmill (Regulation) Rules, 1969 read with Section 29 of the Andhra Pradesh Forest Act, 1967 by allowing illicit forest produce into his sawmill premises. He stated that a due enquiry had been held in compliance with the procedural norms and only thereafter, the petitioner’s sawmill licence was revoked. He further pointed out that no valid permits were available for the non-teak timber/firewood which was unloaded in the petitioner’s premises. Reference was made to the statutory provisions which were violated by the petitioner in connection with the illicit forest produce found at his sawmill premises. Details were also furnished as to how the enquiry was held in the matter, giving due and proper opportunity to the petitioner not only to have access to the documents on record relied upon but also to express his views. He also pointed out that in the appeal, an opportunity was again given to the petitioner to put forth his case, but he did not choose to raise an objection that he was not permitted to cross-examine the officers of the Forest Department. Stating thus, the Divisional Forest
