Compulsory acquisition of antiquities, etc. discovered during excavation operations

(1) Where as a result of any excavations made in any area under section 20 or section 21 any antiquities are discovered, the archaeological officer or the licensee, as the case may be shall,- (a) as soon as practicable examine such antiquities and submit a report to the Government in such manner and containing such particulars as may be prescribed; (b) at the conclusion of the excavation operations, give notice in writing to the owner of the land from which such antiquities have been discovered as to the nature of such antiquities (2) Until an order for the compulsory acquisition of any such antiquities is made under sub-section (3), the archaeological officer, the officer authorized by him or the licensee, as the case may be, shall keep them in such safe custody as he may deem fit. (3) On receipt of report under sub-section (1), the Government may make an order for the compulsory acquisition of any such antiquities at their market value. (4) Where an order for the compulsory acquisition of any antiquities is made under sub-section (3), such antiquities shall vest in the Government with effect from the date of the order.