Stamp Duties Consolidation Act, 1999

Proceedings for detection of stamps stolen or obtained fraudulently.

[SDMA1891 s17]

141.—(1) Any judge of the District Court having jurisdiction in the place where any stamps are known or supposed to be concealed or deposited, may, on reasonable suspicion that the same have been stolen or fraudulently obtained, issue a warrant for the seizure of the stamps, and for apprehending and bringing before such judge or any other judge of the District Court within the same jurisdiction the person in whose possession or custody the stamps may be found, to be dealt with according to law.

(2) If the person does not satisfactorily account for the possession of the stamps or it does not appear that the same were purchased by such person at an office of the Commissioners, or from some person duly appointed to sell and distribute stamps or duly licensed to deal in stamps, the stamps shall be forfeited, and shall be delivered over to the Commissioners.

(3) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2), if at any time within 6 months after the delivery of the stamps under subsection (2) any person makes out to the satisfaction of the Commissioners that any stamps so forfeited were stolen or otherwise fraudulently obtained from such person, and that the same were purchased by such person at an office of the Commissioners, or from some person duly appointed to sell and distribute stamps, or duly licensed to deal in stamps, such stamps may be delivered up to such person.