SHARFUDDING AHMED, J.

( 1 ) BTHE Short question that falls for consideration in this revision is whether the statement of the accused recorded by Forest Officer can be held admissible in evidence.

( 2 ) THE facts necessary to appreciate the arguments may briefly be stated. The Forest Range Officer, Balapalli filed a complaint c. C. No. 440 of 1970 on the file of J. S. C. M, Rajampet against them petitioners herein under Section 29 (4) A (1) of the A. P. Forest Act 67 and for contravening Rule 3 of the A. P. Sandal Wood and Red sander Wood Transit Rules, 1969, The Forest Range Officer had recorded the statements of the accused on 31-7-1970 immediately after the offence had taken place and during the course of inquiry wanted to mark the statements of the accused as Exhibits on behalf of the prosecution. Objection was taken on behalf of the accused that the statements recorded by the Forest Range officer could not be marked as Exhibits as they are hit by section 25 of the EVIDENCE ACT, 1872. The learned Magistrate on a consideration of the arguments advanced before him agreed with the A. P. P. Grade II that the statements made before the Forest Officer were not hit by Section 25 of the

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