Immediate protection of heirs

(1) Whenever a Collector receives information that a proprietor of land situated in his division or district has died, and he has reason to believe that the heir of such proprietor is, or should be declared to be, disqualified under section 9,- (a) he may take such steps and make such order as he thinks proper for the temporary custody and protection of the property which he has reason to believe to belong to the heir; and (b) if the heir be a minor he may direct that the person, if any, having custody of the minor, shall produce him or cause him to be produced, at such place and time, and before such person, as he appoints, and may make such order for the temporary custody and protection of the minor as he thinks proper ; (c) female minors who ought not to be compelled to appear in public shall be produced in accordance with the manners and the customs of the country. (2) If the Collector taking action under sub-section (1) is not the District Collector, he shall report the matter forthwith to the District Collector, who shall decide whether to direct the Collector to withdraw, or himself to report the matter to the Court as provided in section 12.