Vidhi Codex

Bare Act

The Kerala Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1968

Education196839 sections

This legislation protects historical sites and cultural artifacts throughout Kerala by legally designating ancient monuments, rock carvings, coins, and ruins older than 100 years as protected heritage. Its provisions apply to the entire state and establish a framework managed by the Department of Archaeology to preserve these sites. By formally recognizing and securing these areas, the law prevents unauthorized alterations or destruction, clarifying ownership and maintenance duties for authorities and private owners alike. Ultimately, it ensures that Kerala’s rich historical legacy remains accessible and intact for future generations, safeguarding a tangible connection to the region’s past.

Start reading →Read full ActSections
  1. 1. Short title, extent and commencement
  2. 2. Definitions
  3. 3. Certain ancient monuments, etc., deemed to be protected monuments or areas
  4. 4. Power of Government to declare ancient monuments, etc., to be protected monuments and areas
  5. 5. Acquisition of rights in a protected monument
  6. 6. Preservation of protected monument by agreement
  7. 7. Owners under disability or not in possession
  8. 8. Application of endowment to repair a protected monument
  9. 9. Failure or refusal to enter into an agreement
  10. 10. Power to make order prohibiting contravention of agreement under section 6
  11. 11. Enforcement of agreement
  12. 12. Purchasers at certain sales and persons claiming through owner bound by instrument executed by owner
  13. 13. Acquisition of protected monuments
  14. 14. Maintenance of certain protected monuments
  15. 15. Voluntary contributions
  16. 16. Protection of place of worship from misuse, pollution or desecration
  17. 17. Relinquishment of Government rights in a monument
  18. 18. Right of access to protected monuments
  19. 19. Restrictions of enjoyment of property rights in protected areas
  20. 20. Power to acquire a protected area
  21. 21. Excavations in protected areas
  22. 22. Excavations in areas other than protected areas
  23. 23. Compulsory purchase of antiquities, etc., discovered during excavation operations
  24. 24. Excavations, etc., far archaeological purposes
  25. 25. Power of Government to control moving of antiquities
  26. 26. Purchase of antiquities by Government
  27. 27. Compensation for loss or damage
  28. 28. Assessment of market value or compensation
  29. 29. Delegation of powers
  30. 30. Penalties
  31. 31. Jurisdiction to try offences
  32. 32. Certain offences to be cognizable
  33. 33. Special provision regarding fine
  34. 34. Recovery of amounts due to the Government
  35. 35. Ancient monuments, etc., no longer requiring protection
  36. 36. Power to correct mistakes, etc
  37. 37. Protection of action taken under the Act
  38. 38. Power to make rules
  39. 39. Repeal

PDF: pending for this language.