September 14, 2026

Section 61. Cognizance of Offences – The Biological Diversity Act, 2002

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61. Cognizance of offences

No Court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act except on a written complaint made by—

(a) the Central Government or any authority or officer authorised in this behalf by that Government; or

(b) any person or a benefit claimer who has given notice of not less than thirty days in the prescribed manner, of such offence and of his intention to make a complaint, to the Central Government or the authority or officer authorised as aforesaid.

Note: The word “written complaint” was substituted for “complaint”, and the words “any person or a benefit claimer” substituted for “any benefit claimer” in clause (b), by the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023 (10 of 2023), with effect from 1 April 2024.