Sathiadev, J.

1. In these writ petitions, petitioners seek for a declaration that Rules 1-A, 3(b), 2, 3(iii) and 8(4) of the Tamil Nadu Timber Transit Rules, 1968 (hereinafter referred to as the Rules) are null, void and hence unenforceable against the petitioners. The relevant rules under challenge are Rules Nos. l-A (3)(b), 2, 3(iii), and 7(4). Though at the time of the filing of the writ petitions, these are the relevant rules, petitioners by misconception have referred to different rule numbers, as if they are the relevant rules. It was by G.O. Ms. No. 518, Agriculture, dated 23.2.1968, and as amended from time to time, Tamil Nadu Timber Transit Rules were made, in exercise of the powers conferred under Sections 35 and 36 of the Tamil Nadu Forest Act, 1882 (III of 1882) a pro-Constitution enactment. The said Act was enacted 'for the protection and management of forests' in the State of Tamil Nadu. Apart from this Act, Tamil Nadu Preservation of Private Forests Act, 1949, Tamil Nadu Hill Stations (Preservation of Trees) Act, 1955, Gudalur Jenmam Estates (Abolition and Conversation into Ryotwari) Act, 1969, etc have been enacted for the preservation of trees and in the larger