The Himachal Pradesh Slum Areas (Improvement and Clearance) Act, 1979

THE HIMACHAL PRADESH SLUM AREAS (IMPROVEMENT AND CLEARANCE) ACT, 1979

(1) This Act may be cared the Himachal Pradesh Slum Areas (Improvement and Clearance) Act, 1979. (2) It extends to the whole of the State of Himachal Pradesh. (3) It shall come into force at once.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, (a) "building" includes any structure or any part of a building as sodefined but does not include plant or machinery comprised in abuilding; (b) "clearance area" means the area notified under section 10 of theAct; (c) "competent' authority" means such officer or authority as, the StateGovernmentmay, by notification in the' Official Gazette, appoint as the competent authority for the-purposes of this Act; (d) "erection" in relation to a building includes- extension, alterationor re-erection; (e) "occupier" includes an owner in occupation of or otherwise usinghis own land or building; (f) "owner" includes any person who is receiving or is entitled to receive the rent of any building or land whether on hi... account or- on behalf of himself and others or agent or trustee or, who would so receive the rent or be entitled to,received it if the building or land were let to tenant; (g) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act; (h) "slum area" means any area declared as such under section 3 of thisAct; (i) "slum clearance" means the clearance of any slum area by thedemolition and removal of buildings therefrom; (j) "State Government" means the Government of the State of Himachal Pradesh; (k) "work of improvement" includes in relation to any buildings in a slum area the execution of anyone or more of the following works, namely:- (i) necessary repairs; (ii) structural alterations; (iii) provision of light points and water taps; (iv) construction of drains, open or covered; (v) provision of latrines; (vi) provision of additional or improved fixtures or fittings; (vii) opening up or paving of courtyards; (viii) removal of rubbish; and (ix) any other work including the demolition of any building or any part thereof which in the opinion of the c9mpetent authority is necessary for executing any- of the works specified above.

(1) Where the competent authority upon report from any of its officers or other information in its possession is satisfied in respects any area that the buildings in that area- (a) are in any respect unfit forhuman habitation; or (b) are by reason of dilapidation, overcrowding, faulty arrangements and design of such buildings, narrowness or faulty arrangement of streets, lack of ventilation, light or sanitation facilities, or any combination of these factors, are detrimental to safety, health or morals, it may, by notificationin the Official Gazette, declare such area to be a slum area: Provided that the competent authority shall not make such declaration unless the persons likely to be affected thereby have been given a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the proposed declaration. (2) In determining whether a building is unfit for human habitationforthepurpo (a) repairs; (b) stability; (c) freedom from dampness; (d) naturallightand air; (e) water supply; (f) drainage. and sanitary conveniences; (g) facilities for storage, preparation and cooking of food and for the disposal of waste water; and the building shall be deemed to be unfit as aforesaid if and only if it is so far defective on one or more of the said matters that it is not reasonably suitable for occupation in that condition.

(1) Where the competent authority has made a declaration under section 3 in respect of any area such authority may, unless in its opinion any building in that area is not capable ata reasonable expense of being rendered fit for human habitation serve upon the owner of the building a notice requiring him within such time not being less than thirty days as may be specified in the notice to execute the works of improvement specified therein and stating that in the opinion of the authority those works will render the building fit for human habitation. (2) In addition to serving a notice under this section on the owner, the competent authority may serve a copy of the notice on any other person having an interest in the building whether as lessee, mortgagee or otherwise. (3) In determining, for the purposes of this Act, whether a building can be rendered fit for human habitation at a reasonable expense, regard shall be had to the estimated cost of the works necessary to render it so fit and the valuewhich it is estimated that the building will have when the works are completed.

(1) If a notice under section 4 requiring the owner of thebuilding to execute works of improvement is not complied with, thenafter theexpiration of the time specified in the notice the competent authority may itselfdo the works required to be done by the notice. (2) All expenses incurred by the competent authority under this section, together with interest, at such rate as the State Government may by order fix, from the date when a demand for the expenses is made till payment, may be recovered by the competent authority from the owner of the building as arrears ofland revenue: Provided that if the owner proves that he- (a) is receiving the rent merely as agent or trustee for someother person; and (b) has not in his hands on behalf of that other person sufficient money to satisfy the whole demand of the authority, his liability shall be limited to total amount of the money which he has in his hand as aforesaid. (3) If the owner of the building is different from the person who owns the land on which the building stand~ and the expenses incurred by the competent authority under this section arc recoverable from both these persons then, expenses shall be recovered from them in such proportion as may be determined by the competent authority or byan officer empowered by it in this behalf.

Where works of improvement, have been executedin relation to any,building in a slum area in pursuance of the provisions of sections 4and 5, the expensesincurred by the competent authorityin connection with the maintenance of such works of improvement or theenjoyment of amenities and conveniences rendered possible by ,such work shall be :recoverable from the occupiers of the building as arrears of land revenue.

(1) The competent authoritymay, by notification in the Official Gazette, directthat no person shall erect any building in a slum area except with the previouspermission in writing ofthe competentauthority. (2) Every notification issued under sub-section (1) shall cease to have effect on the "expiration of two years from the date thereof except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such cesser. (3) Every person desiring to obtain the permission referred to in sub-section (1) shall make an application in writing to the competent authority in such form and containing such information in respect of the erection of thebuilding to which the application relates as may be prescribed. (4) On receipt of such application, the competent authority, after making such inquiry as it considers necessary, shall, by order in writing- (a) either grant the permission subject to such terms and conditions,if (4) (a) any, as, may be specified in the order; or (b) refuse to grant such permission; Provided that before making an order refusing such permission, the applicant shall be given a reasonable opportunity to show cause why the permission should not be refused. (5) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall apply to- (a) any works of improvement required to be executed by a notice under sub-section (1) of section 4 or in pursuance of an undertaking given under sub-section (2) of section 8 ; or (b) the erection of any building in any area in respect of which a slum clearance order has been made under section 11.

(1) Where a competent authority upon a report from any of its officers or other information in its possession is satisfied that any building within a slum area is unfit for human habitation and is not capable at a reasonable expense of being rendered fit, it shall serve upon the owner of the building, and upon any other person having an interest in the building, whether as lessee, mortgagee or otherwise, a notice to show cause within such time as may be specified in the notice as to why an order of demolition of the building should not be made. (2) If any of the persons upon whom a notice has been served under subsection (1), appears in pursuance thereof before the competent authority and gives an undertaking to the authority that such person shall within a period specified by the authority execute such works of improvement in relation to the building to the satisfaction of the authority so as to render the building fit for human habitation, the authority shall not make any order of demolition of the building. (3) If no such undertaking as is mentioned in sub-section (2) is given, or if in a case where any such undertaking has been given any work of improvement to which the undertaking relates is not carried out within the specified period, or the building is at any time used in contravention of the terms of the undertaking, the competent authority shall forthwith make an order of demolition of the building requiring that the building shall be vacated within a period to be specified in the order not being less than thirty days from the date of the order, and that it shall be demolished within six weeks after the expiration of that period: Provided that the competent authority shall not demolish any building until an alternative accommodation for the occupier or occupiers is arranged.

(1) Where an order for demolition of a building under section 8 has been made, the owner of the building or any other person having an interest therein shall demolish that building within the time specified in that behalf by the order; and if the building is not demolished within that time the competent authority shall enter and demolish the building and sell the materials thereof. (2) Any expenses incurred by the competent authority under sub-section (1), if not satisfied out of the proceeds of sale of materials of the building shall be recoverable from the owner of the building or any other person having an interest therein as arrears of land revenue.

(1) Where the competent authority upon a report from any of its officers or other information in its possession is satisfied as respects any slum area that the most satisfactory method of dealing with the conditions in the area is the demolition of all the buildings in the area, the authority shall, by an order notified in the Official Gazette, declare the area to be a clearance area, that is to say, an area to be cleared of all buildings in accordance with the provisions of this Act: Provided that the competent authority shall not make any such declaration unless the persons likely to be affected thereby have been given reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the proposed declaration: Provided further that any building in the area which is not unfit for human habitation and is not dangerous or injurious to health may be excluded from the declaration if the authority considers it necessary. (2) The competent authority shall forthwith transmit to the State Government a copy of the declaration under this section together with a statement of the number of persons who on a date specified in the statement were occupying buildings comprised in the clearance area.

(1) As soon as may be after the competent authority has declared any area to be a clearance area, it shall make a slum clearance order in relation to that area ordering the demolition of each of the buildings specified therein and requiring each such buildings to be vacated within such time as may be specified in the order and submit the order to the State Government for confirmation: Provided that the competent authority shall not make such orders unless the persons likely to be affected thereby have been given reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the proposed action. (2) The State Government may either confirm the order in to or subject to such variations as it considers necessary or reject the order. (3) If the State Government confirms the order, the order shall become operative from the date of such confirmation. (4) When a slum clearance order has become operative, the owners of buildings to which the order applies shall demolish the buildings before the expiration of six weeks from the date on which the buildings are required by the order to be vacated or before the expiration of such longer period as in the circumstances of the case the competent authority may deem reasonable. (5) If the buildings are not demolished before the expiration of the period mentioned in sub-section (4), the competent authority shall enter and demolish the buildings and sell the materials thereof. (6) Any expenses incurred by the competent authority in demolishing a building shall, if not satisfied out of the proceeds of sale of materials thereof, be recoverable by the competent authority as arrears of land revenue. (7) Where a slum clearance order has become operative, no land in the area to which the order applies shall be re-developed except in accordance with plans approved by the competent authority and subject to such restrictions and conditions, if any, as the competent authority may think fit to impose: Provided that an owner who is aggrieved by a restriction or condition so imposed on the user of his land by a subsequent refusal of the competent authority to cancel or modify any such restriction or condition may, within such time and in such manner as may be prescribed, appeal to the State Government and the State Government shall make such order in the matter as it thinks proper and its decision shall be final. (8) No person shall commence or cause to be commenced any work in contravention of a plan approved or a restriction or condition imposed under sub-section (7).

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (7) of section 11, the competent authority may at any time after the land has been cleared of the buildings in accordance with a slum clearance order but before the work of re-development of that land has been commenced by the owner, by order, determine to re-develop the land if that authority is satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest to do so. (2) Where land has been cleared of the buildings in accordance with a slum clearance order, the competent authority, if it is satisfied that the land has been, or is being, re-developed by the owner thereof in a contravention of plans approved by the authority or any restrictions or conditions imposed under sub-section (7) of section 11 or has not been re-developed within the time, if any, specified under, such conditions, may, by order, determine to redevelop the land: Provided that before passing such order, the owner shall be given a reasonable opportunity to show cause why the order should not be passed.

Where any land in a slum area of clearance-area has been acquired under this Act, the State Government shall make the land available to the competent authority for the purpose of executing any work of improvement or carrying out any order of demolition or for the purpose of the re-development.

Every person having any interest in any land acquired under this Act shall be entitled to receive from the State Government the amount as provided hereinafter in this Act.

(1) The amount payable in respect of any land, acquired under this Act shall be an amount equal to sixty times the net average monthly income actually derived from such land during the period of five consecutive years immediately preceding the date of publication of the notice referred to in section 13. (2) The net average monthly income referred to in sub-section (1) shall be calculated in the manner and in accordance with the principles set out in the Schedule appended to this Act. (3) The competent authority shall, after holding an inquiry in the prescribed manner, determine in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (2) the net average monthly income actually derived from the land and publish a notice in the Official Gazette specifying the amount so determined and calling upon the owner of the land and every person interested therein to intimate it, before a date specified in the notice whether such owner or person agrees to the amount so determined and if he does not so agree, what amount he claims to be the net average monthly income actually derived from the land. (4) Any person who does not agree to the amount of the net average monthly income determined by the competent authority under sub-section (3) (4) [sic] Any person who is dissatisfied with the amount determined by the competent authority and claims a sum in excess of that amount may prefer an appeal to the State Government within thirty days from the date specified in the notice referred to in that sub-section. (5) On appeal the State Government shall, after hearing the appellant, determine the net average monthly income and its determination shall be final and shall not be questioned in any court of law. (6) Where there is any building on the land in respect of which the net average monthly income has been determined, no separate amount shall be paid in, respect of such building: Provided that where the owner of the land and the owner of the building on such land are different, the competent authority shall apportion the amount between the owner of the land and the owner of the building in the same proportion as the market price of the land bears to the market price of the building on the date of acquisition: Provided further that the amount in respect of the building shall not in any case exceed fifty per cent of the total amount which has been determined in accordance with the provisions of this section.

(1) Where several persons claim to be interested in the amount determined under section 16, the competent authority shall determine the persons who in its opinion are entitled to receive amount and the amount payable to each of them. (2) If any dispute arises as to the apportionment of amount or any part thereof, or as to the persons to whom the same or any part thereof is payable, competent authority may refer the dispute to the decision of the State Government and the State Government in deciding any such dispute shall follow, as far as may be, the provisions of Part-III of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (1 of 1894).

(1) After the amount has been determined the competent authority shall on behalf of the State Government tender payment of and pay the amount to the persons entitled thereto. (2) If the persons entitled to the amount do not consent to receive it , or if there be any dispute as to the title to receive amount or as to the apportionment of it, the competent authority shall deposit the amount in the court of the District Judge and that court shall deal with the amount so deposited in the manner laid down in sections 32 and 33 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (1 of 1894).

(1) The competent authority may for the purpose of determining the amount or apportionment thereof, require, by order, any person to furnish such information in his possession as may be specified in the order. (2) The competent authority shall, while holding inquiry under section 16, have all the powers of a civil court while trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908) in respect of the following matters, namely:- (a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath; (b) requiring the discovery and production of any document; (c) reception of evidence on affidavits; (d) requisitioning any public record from any court or office; (e) issuing commissions for examination of witnesses.

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, no person shall, except with the previous permission in writing of the competent authority, (a) institute, after the commencement of the Act, any suit or proceeding for obtaining any decree or order for the eviction of a tenant from any building or land in a slum area; or (b) where any decree or order is obtained in any suit or proceeding instituted before such commencement for the eviction of a tenant from any building or land in such area, execute such decree or order. (2) Every person desiring to obtain the permission referred to in sub-section (1) shall make an application in writing to the competent authority in such form and containing such particulars as may be prescribed. (3) On receipt of such application, the competent authority, after giving an opportunity to the parties of being heard and after making such summary inquiry into the circumstances of the case as it thinks fit, shall, by order in writing, either grant or refuse to grant such permission. (4) In granting or refusing to grant the permission under sub-section (3) the competent authority shall take into account the following factors, namely:- (a) whether alternative accommodation within the means of the tenant would be available to him if he were evicted; (b) whether the eviction is in the interest of improvement and clearance of the slum areas; (c) such other factors, if any, as may be prescribed. (5) Where the competent authority refuses to grant the permission, it shall record a brief statement of reasons for such refusal and furnish a copy thereof to the applicant.

Any person aggrieved by an order of the competent authority refusing to grant the permission referred to in sub-section (1) of section 20 may, within such time and manner as may be prescribed, prefer an appeal to the State Government and the decision of the State Government on such appeal shall be final.

(1) Where a tenant in occupation of any building in a slum area vacates any building or is evicted therefrom on the ground that it was required for the purpose of executing any work of improvement or for the purpose of re-erection of the building, the tenant may, within such time as may be prescribed, file a declaration with the competent authority that he desires to be replaced in occupation of the building after the completion of the work of improvement or re-erection of the building, as the case may be. (2) On receipt of such declaration, the competent authority shall by order require the owner of the building to furnish to it, within such time as may be prescribed, the plans of work of improvement or re-erection of the building and estimates the cost thereof and such other particulars as may be necessary and shall, on the basis of such plans and estimates and particulars, if any, furnished and having regard to the provisions of sub-section (3) of section 23 and after holding such inquiry as it may think fit, provisionally determine the rent that would be payable by the tenant if he were to be replaced in occupation of the building in pursuance of the declaration made by him under sub-section (1). (3) The rent provisionally determined under sub-section (2) shall be communicated in the prescribed manner to the tenant and the owner. (4) If the tenant after the receipt of such communication intimates in writing to the competent authority within such time as may be prescribed that when he is replaced in occupation of the building in pursuance of the declaration made by him under sub-section (1), he would pay to the owner until the rent is finally determined under section 23 the rent provisionally determined under sub-section (2), the competent authority shall direct the owner to place the tenant in occupation of the building after the completion of the work of improvement or re-erection of the building, as the case may be, and the owner shall be bound to comply with such direction.

(1) Where any building in a slum area is let to a tenant after the execution of any work of improvement or after it has been re-erected, the rent of the building shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of this section. (2) Where any such building is let to a tenant other than a tenant who is placed in possession, of the building in pursuance of a direction issued under sub-section (4) of section 22 the tenant shall be liable to pay the owner, (a) if there is a general law relating to the control of rents in force in the area in which the building is situated and applicable to that building, the rent determined in accordance with the provisions of that law; (b) if there is no such law in force in such area, such rent as may be agreed upon between the owner and the tenant. (3) Where any such building is let to a tenant in pursuance of a direction issued under sub-section (4) of section 22, the tenant shall, notwithstanding any law relating to the control of rents in force in the area, be liable to pay to the owner- (a) if any work of improvement has been executed in relation to the building an annual rent of a sum equivalent to the aggregate of the following amounts, namely:- (i) the annual rent the tenant was paying immediately before he vacated the building for improvement; (ii) six per cent of the cost of the work of improvement; and (iii) six per cent of a sum equivalent to the amount payable in respect of any land which may have been acquired for the purpose of effecting such improvement as if such land were acquired under section 13 on the date of the commencement of the work of improvement; (b) if the building has been re-erected, an annual rent of a sum equivalent to four per cent of the aggregate cost of reconstruction of the building and the cost of the land on which the building is erected. Explanation.- For the purpose of this clause, "the cost of the land" shall be deemed to be a sum equivalent to the amount payable in respect of the land if it were acquired under section 13 on the date of commencement of the reconstruction of the building.

Nothing in this chapter shall apply to or in relation to the execution of any decree or order under any law for the eviction of a tenant from any building in a slum area belonging to the State Government or any local authority.

IT Shall be lawful for any person authorised by the competent authority in this behalf to enter into or upon any building or land in a slum area with or without assistance of workmen in order to make any enquiry, inspection, measurement, valuation or survey, or to execute any work which is authorised by or under this Act or which it is necessary to execute for any of the purpose or in pursuance of any of the provisions of this Act or any rule or order made thereunder.

(1) The competent authority may, by general or special order, authorise any person- (a) to inspect any drain, latrine, urinal, cesspool, pipe, sewer or channel in or on any building or land in a slum area, and in his discretion to cause the ground to be opened for the purpose of preventing or removing any nuisance arising from the drain, latrine, urinal, cesspool, pipe, sewer or channel, as the case may be; (b) to examine works under construction in slum area, to take levels or to remove, test, examine or replace any meter. (2) If, on such inspection, the opening of the ground is found to be necessary for the prevention or removal of a nuisance, the expenses necessary thereby incurred shall be paid by the owner to the occupier of the land or building, but if it is found that no nuisance exists or but for such opening would have arisen, the ground or portion of any building, drain, or other work opened, injured or removed for the purpose of such inspection shall be filled in, reinstated or made good, as the case may be, by the competent authority.

(1) Any person authorised by the competent authority in this behalf may, with or without assistants or workmen, enter on any land within fifty yards of any work authorised by or under this Act for the purpose of depositing thereon any soil, gravel, stone or other materials or for obtaining access to such work or for any other purposes connected with the carrying on of the same. (2) The person so authorised shall, before entering on any land under sub-section (1), state the purpose thereof, and shall, if so required by the occupier, or owner, fence off so much of the land as may be required for such purpose. (3) The person so authorised shall, in exercising any power conferred by this section, do as little damage, as may be, and amount shall be payable by the competent authority to the owner or the occupier of such land or to both for any such damage whether permanent or temporary.

It shall be lawful for any person authorised by the competent authority in this behalf to make any entry into any place, to open or cause to be opened any door, gate or other barrier- (a) if he considers the opening thereof necessary for the purpose of such entry; and (b) if the owner or occupier is absent, or being present refuses to open such door, gate or barrier.

No entry authorised under this Act shall be made except between the hours of sunrise and sunset.

Save as otherwise provided in this Act, no building or land shall be entered without the consent of the occupier, or if there is no occupier, of the owner thereof and no such entry shall be made without giving the said occupier or owner, as the case may be, not less than twentyfour hours' written notice of the intention to make such entry: Provided that no such notice shall be necessary if the place to be inspected is a shed for cattle or latrine, urinal or a work under construction.

Where the competent authority is satisfied either upon a representation from the owner of a building or upon other information in its possession that the occupants of the building have not vacated it in pursuance of any notice, order or direction issued or given by the authority, the authority shall, by order, direct the eviction of the occupants from the building in such manner and within such time as may be specified in the order: Provided that before making any order under this section the competent authority shall give a reasonable opportunity to the occupants of the building to show cause why they should not be evicted therefrom: Provided further that if the occupants are unable to find any accommodation, the competent authority shall arrange for the accommodation for the occupants before the eviction.

The competent authority may, by order in writing, direct any person carrying on any dangerous or offensive trade in a slum area to remove the trade from that area within such time as may be specified in the order: Provided that no order under this section shall be made unless the person carrying on the trade has been afforded a reasonable opportunity of showing cause as to why the order should not be made.

(1) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, any person aggrieved by any notice, order or direction issued or given by the competent authority may appeal to the State Government within a period of thirty days from the date of issue of such notice, order or direction. (2) Every appeal under this Act shall be made by petition in writing accompanied by a copy of the notice, order or direction appealed against. (3) On the admission of an appeal, all proceedings to enforce the notice, order or direction and all prosecutions for any contravention thereof shall be held in abeyance pending the decision of the appeal, and if the notice, order or direction is set aside on appeal, disobedience thereto shall not be deemed to be an offence. (4) No appeal shall be decided under this section unless the appellant has been heard of has had a reasonable opportunity of being heard in person or through a legal practitioner. (5) The decision of the State Government on appeal shall be final and shall not be questioned in any court.

(1) Every notice, order or direction issued under this Act shall, save as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, be served,- (a) by giving or tendering the notice, order or direction, or by sending it by post to the person for whom it is intended; or (b) if such person cannot be found, by affixing the notice, order or direction on some conspicuous part of his last known place of abode or business, or by giving or tendering the notice, order or direction to some adult male member or servant of his family or by causing it to be affixed on some conspicuous part of the building or land, if any, to which it relates. (2) Where the person on whom a notice, order or direction, is to be served is a minor, service upon his guardian or upon any adult male member of his family shall be deemed to be the service upon the minor. (3) Every notice, order or direction which by or under this Act is to be served as a public notice order or direction which is not required to be served to any individual therein specified shall save as otherwise expressly provided, be deemed to be sufficiently served if a copy thereof is affixed in such conspicuous part of the office of the competent authority or in such other public place during such period, or is published in such local newspaper or in such other manner, as the competent authority may direct.

(1) Whoever does any act in contravention of any notice, order or direction issued or given under this Act shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to Rs. 1,000, or with both, and when the breach is a continuing breach, with further fine which may extend to Rs. 25 for every day after the first during which the breach continues. (2) Whoever commences or causes to be commenced any work in contravention of any restriction or condition imposed under sub-section (7) of section 11 or any plan for the re-development of a clearance area shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to Rs. 1,000, or with both and when the breach is a continuing breach, with further fine which may extend to Rs. 25 for every day after the first during which the breach continues. (3) Whoever obstructs the entry of any person authorised under this Act to enter into or upon any building or land or molests such person after such entry shall be punishable with fine which may extend to Rs. 1,000. (4) If the person committing an offence under this Act is a company, every person who at the time the offence was committed was in charge of, and was responsible to, the company for the conduct of the business of the company as well as the company, shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly: Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall render any such person liable to any punishment provided in this Act if he proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge or that he exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of such offence. (5) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (3), where an offence under this Act has been committed by a company and it is proved that the offence has been committed with the consent or connivance of, or is attributable to any neglect on the part of, any director, manager, secretary or other officer of the company, such director, manager, secretary or other officer shall also be deemed to be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly. Explanation.-For the purpose of this section- (a) "company" means a body corporate and includes a firm or other association of individuals; and (b) "director" in relation to a firm means a partner in the firm.

Where the erection of any building has been commenced, or is being carried out, or has been completed, in contravention of any restriction or condition imposed under sub-section (7) of section 11 or a plan for the re-development of any clearance area or in contravention of any notice, order or direction issued or given under this Act, the competent authority may, in addition to any other remedy that may be resorted to under this Act or under any other law, make an order directing that such erection shall be demolished by the owner thereof within such time not exceeding two months as may be specified in the order, and on the failure of the owner to comply with the order, the competent authority may itself cause the erection to be demolished and the expenses of such demolition shall be recoverable from the owner as arrears of land revenue: Provided that no such order shall be made unless the owner has been given a reasonable opportunity of being heard.

No court inferior to that of a Judicial Magistrate of the first class shall try an offence punishable under this Act.

No prosecution for any offence punishable under this Act shall be instituted except with the previous sanction of the competent authority or an officer authorised by the competent authority in this behalf.

The competent authority may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct that any power exercisable by it under this Act may also be exercised, in such cases and subject to such conditions, if any, as may be specified in the notification, by such officer or the local authority as may be mentioned therein.

No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie against the competent authority or against any person for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done under

The competent authority and any person authorised by him under this Act shall be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).

The provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other law.

(1) The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules to carry out the purposes of this Act. (2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:- (a) the manner of authentication of notices, orders and other instruments of the competent authority; (b) the preparation of plans for the re-development of any slum area, and matters to be included in such plans; (c) the form in which an application under sub-section (3) of section 7 shall be made and the information to be furnished and the fees to be levied in respect of such application; (d) the manner in which inquiries may be held under sections 16 and 20; (e) the form and manner in which applications for permission under sub-section (2) of section 20 shall be made and the fees to be levied in respect of such applications; (f) the procedure to be followed by the competent authority before granting or refusing to grant permission under section 20; (g) the time and manner within which an appeal may be preferred under sub-section (7) of section 11 or section 21; (h) the time within which a declaration may be filed under sub-section (1) or an intimation may be sent under sub-section (4) of section 22 and the fees, if any, to be levied in respect of such declaration; (i) the time within which plans, estimates and other particulars referred to in sub-section (2) of section 22 may be furnished; (j) the procedure to be followed by the competent authority for fixing the provisional rent under sub-section (2) of section 22; (k) the manner in which the rent provisionally determined under section 22 shall be communicated to the tenants and owners; (l) the matter in respect of which provision may be made under sub-section (5) of section 23; (m) the officers and local authorities to whom powers may be delegated under section 39; and (n) any other matter which has to be, or may be, prescribed. (3) Every rule made under this section shall be laid as soon as may be after it is made, before the Legislative Assembly while it is in session for a total period of not less than fourteen days, which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session in which it is so laid or the sessions aforesaid, the Assembly makes any modification in the rule or decides that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be, so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule.

(1) The Slum Areas (Improvement and Clearance) Act, 1956 (96 of 1956) as amended from time to time, as in force in the areas comprised in Himachal Pradesh immediately before 1st November, 1966 and the Punjab Slum Areas (Improvement and Clearance) Act, 1961 (24 of 1961), as in force in the areas added to Himachal Pradesh under section 5 of the Punjab Re-organisation Act, 1966 (31 of 1966) are hereby repealed. (2) Notwithstanding such repeal, anything done, or any action taken, rules, regulations, bye-laws and orders made, notification and notices issued, and suits instituted under any Act repealed under sub-section (1) shall, so far as may be, be deemed to have been respectively done, made, issued, and instituted under the corresponding provisions of this Act.