Excavations in area other than protected areas.

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.