Prohibition as to keeping or retaining in possession buying or selling sapphire or ruby within the State after three months from promulgation of this Act.

Except as permitted by the Minister-in-charge or under any rules promulgated under this Act, no one shall have, keep or retain in his possession or custody any sapphire or ruby within the State territory after three months from the promulgation of this Act, or buy or sell or be otherwise a party to the transfer of any sapphire or ruby or a precious stone as defined above or transport it or dig, cut or dress it.