Chapter IV PROTECTION OF ANTIQUITIES

(1) If the State Government considers it necessary in the public interest that any antiquities or class of antiquities ought not to be moved from the place where they are, without the sanction of the State Government, the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct that any such antiquity or any class of such antiquities shall not be moved except with the written permission of the Collector.

(2) Every application for permission under sub-section (1) shall be in such form, and contain such particulars, as may be prescribed.

(3) Any person aggrieved by an order refusing permission may appeal to the State Government, whose decision shall be final.

(1) If the State Government apprehends that any antiquity mentioned in a notification issued under sub-section (1) of section 23 is in danger of being destroyed, removed, injured, misused or allowed to fall into decay, or is of opinion that by reason of its historical or archaeological importance, it is desirable to preserve such antiquity in a public place, the State Government may make an order for the compulsory purchase of such antiquity at its market value, and the Collector shall thereupon give notice to the owner of the antiquity to be purchased.

(2) Where a notice of compulsory purchase is issued under sub-section (1) in respect of any antiquity, such antiquity shall vest in the State Government with effect from the date of the notice.

(3) The power of compulsory purchase given by this section shall not extend to any image or symbol actually used for bona fide religious observances.