Chapter V Chapter V

Archaeological Excavations

Subject to the provisions of section 24 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (Central Act 24 of 1958) an archaeological officer or an officer authorised by him in this behalf or any person holding a licence granted in this behalf under this Act (hereinafter referred to as the licensee) may, after giving notice in writing to the Director and the owner, enter upon and make excavations in any protectedarea.

Subject to the provisions of section 22 and section 24 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (Central Act 24 of 1958), where an archaeological officer has reason to believe that any area, not being a protected area, contains ruins or relics of historical or archaeological importance he or an officer authorised by him in this behalf may, after giving notice in writing to the Director and the owner, enter upon and make excavations in the area.

(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,—

1. (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;
2. (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.

1. (2) Until an order for the compulsory acquisition of any such antiquities is made under sub-section (3), the archaeological officer, the officer authorised by him or the licensee, as the case may be, shall keep them in such safe custody as he may deem fit.
2. (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.
3. (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.

(1) Save as otherwise provided in this Chapter, no archaeological officer or authority shall undertake or authorise any person to undertake any excavation or other like operation for any archaeological purpose in any area which is not a protected area except with the previous approval of the Government and in accordance with such rules or directions, if any, as the Government may make or give in this behalf.

1. (2) The provisions of sub-section (1) shall be subject to the provisions of section 24 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (Central Act 24 of 1958).