1. The petitioner stood charged for the offence punishable under Sections 21 (d), (e), (f) and 36 (A) and (E) of Tamil Nadu Forest Act (Act V of 1982) and after trial before the learned Special Judicial Magistrate (Sandal Wood Offences), Thirupathur @ Vellore District, he was convicted him for the offences punishable under Section 36 (A) and (E) and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for two years with fine of Rs.7,500/-, failing which to undergo simple imprisonment for a period of six months. The petitioner was acquitted of the offence under Section 21 (d) (e) and (f) of the Tamil Nadu Forest Act. Such conviction and sentence passed against the petitioner was confirmed by the Appellate Court in the appeal filed by him. As against the aforesaid decisions of the Court below, the present Criminal Revision Case is filed.

2. The case of the prosecution as could be seen from the records made available is that on the basis of a tip off received by the officials of the Forest, they have kept a vigil near Sornakulathur Forest Beat on 25.09.1998. At about 5.15 p.m. the officials have spotted the petitioner gaining illegal and unauthorised entry in to the Sornakulathur For