Protection of place of worship from misuse, pollution or desecration

Protection of place of worship from misuse, pollution or desecration. —

1. (1) A protected monument maintained by the State Government under this Act, which is a place of worship or shrine, shall not be used for any purpose inconsistent with its religious character.
2. (2) Where the Director has reason to believe that any protected monument maintained by the State Government under this Act, which or any part whereof is a place of worship or shrine, is being used in contravention of sub-section (1), he shall, by order, prohibit such use and may take such steps including the use of force, as he may deem necessary to prevent such use.
3. (3) Any person who violates the provisions of sub-section
4. (1) or any order made under sub-section
5. (2) shall, on conviction, be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.