Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
Section 57: Presumption to be made in certain cases
Where, in any prosecution for an offence against this Act, it is established that a person is in possession, custody or control of any [wild animal, captive animal], animal article, meat, [trophy, uncured trophy, specified plant, or part or derivative thereof [or scheduled specimen]] it shall be presumed, until the contrary is proved, the burden of proving which shall lie on the accused, that such person is in unlawful possession, custody or control of such [wild animal, captive animal], animal article, meat, [trophy, uncured trophy, specified plant, or part or derivative thereof [or scheduled specimen].]
Source: India Code (indiacode.gov.in), the consolidated text published by the Legislative Department, Government of India. Text as updated on India Code on 15 October 2026. Words in square brackets [ ] were inserted or substituted by later amending Acts, and *** marks words omitted by an amendment. The amendment footnotes are not reproduced here. Official text on India Code.