Section Text
SECTION 31: CENTRAL GOVERNMENT MAY ALLOW FREE CULTIVATION OF POPPY AND MANUFACTURE OF OPIUM IN ANY DISTRICT The Central Government may authorize, by an order 47 [* * *] the cultivation of the poppy and the manufacture of opium in any district or districts without license from a 48 [district opium officer] or other officer of the Government; and, when such order has been published, ail the provisions of this Act shall cease to have effect in such district or districts: Power to prescribe rules for delivery to Government Officers. Provided always that 49 [the Central Government] may prescribe rules for the delivery of the opium so produced to officers of the Government appoint- ed to receive it; and, when such rules have been passed, any cultivator or other persons engaged in the cultivation of poppy and manufacture of opium who shall dispose of any opium otherwise than is allowed by such rules, and any person who shall purchase or receive any such opium in contravention of the said rules, shall be subject to the penalties prescribed in section 19 of this Act; and such penalties may be adjudged by a Magistrate on the information of any officer of the Government or of any other person.