Relinquishment of an exchange or land in lieu of payment of betterment charges

Notwithstanding anything contained in section 47, the Government may allow the owner of the land on which the betterment charges may be payable to relinquish the whole or any part of the land or to deliver it in exchange in lieu of payment of the charges, in favour of the Government on such conditions as may be prescribed: Provided that no such relinquishment or exchange shall be permitted unless the land is free from encumbrances.