The combined effect of Section 21(3)-(6) of the Arms Act, 1959 ensures:

Sections 21(3) to (6) let the district magistrate forfeit unclaimed deposits to Government, but only after a notice to "show cause within thirty days" and an order considering the cause shown, while s.21(6) lets the Government return forfeited things at any time. The scheme balances public interest with fairness to the depositor.