Power to seal unauthorized development

(1) It shall be lawful for the State Government or the competent authority, as the case may be, at any time, before or after making an order for the removal or discontinuance of any development under section 39 or section 39-A to make an order directing the sealing of such development in the manner prescribed by rules, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act, or for preventing any disputes as to the nature and extent of such development. (2) Where any development has been sealed, the State Government or the competent authority, as the case may be, may, for the purpose of removing or discontinuing such development order the seal to be removed. (3) No person shall remove such seal except:- (a) under an order made by the State Government or the competent authority under sub-section (2); or (b) under an order of the appellate authority or the State Government made in an appeal under this Act.