Vidhi Codex

The Kerala Treasure Trove Act, 1968

The Kerala Treasure Trove Act, 1968

General196823 sections

This law governs the discovery and ownership of hidden valuables, known as treasure trove, found in the state of Kerala. It applies to anyone who discovers such items, as well as the owners or occupants of the land where they are found. The Act requires finders to report significant discoveries to the government and mandates that potential claimants appear before a Collector to establish their rights. If claimants fail to appear, they lose their claim. Ultimately, the state retains ownership of undiscovered treasure, ensuring that valuable historical or monetary finds are preserved and managed by the government rather than private individuals.

Start reading →Read full ActSections
  1. 0. Preamble
  2. 1. Short title, extent and commencement.
  3. 2. Definitions. PROCEDURE ON FINDING TREASURE TROVE
  4. 3. Notice by finder of treasure trove.
  5. 4. Notification requiring claimants to appear.
  6. 5. Forfeiture of right on failure to appear.
  7. 6. Matters to be enquired into and determined by the Collector.
  8. 7. Time to be allowed for suit by person claiming the treasure trove.
  9. 8. When treasure trove may be declared ownerless.
  10. 9. Proceeding subsequent to declaration.
  11. 10. When no other person claims as owner of the place, treasure trove to be given to the finder.
  12. 11. When only one person claims, and his claim is not disputed, treasure trove to be divided.
  13. 12. In case of dispute as to ownership of place, proceedings to be stayed.
  14. 13. Settlement of dispute.
  15. 14. Division of treasure trove on the establishment of claim in court.
  16. 15. Power to acquire treasure trove on behalf of the Government.
  17. 16. Decision of Collector final and no suit to lie against him for acts done in good faith.
  18. 17. Collector to exercise powers of civil court.
  19. 18. Penalty on finder failing to give notice, etc.
  20. 19. Penalty on owner abetting offence under section 18.
  21. 20. Penalty on owner or occupier for failure to give notice under section 3.
  22. 21. Power to make rules.
  23. 22. Repeal.

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