Powers to recover damages

21. (1) Where any person is in unauthorised occupation of any house, the competent authority may, in the prescribed manner, assess such damages not exceeding four times the rent and other charges on account of the use or occupation of the house as he may deem just and proper and may, by notice served by post or otherwise, order that person to pay the damages within such time as may be specified in the notice.

1. (2) If any person refuses or fails to pay the damages within the time specified in the notice, the damages may be recovered as arrears of land revenue.