SURESH LOHIYA vs STATE OF MAHARASHTRA AND ANOTHER

The Supreme Court examined whether bamboo mat qualifies as 'forest-produce' under Section 2(4) of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. The Court upheld the Bombay High Court's ruling that bamboo mat is indeed forest-produce, as it falls under the definitions of 'tree' and 'timber' provided in the Act. The Court rejected the appellant's argument that bamboo mat is a separate commercial product, affirming the High Court's interpretation and thereby validating the confiscation order.