Definitions.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,- (i) “bona vacantia” includes any property, situated in the State, of which there is no rightful owner, but does not include an escheat or any movable property found in a public place; (ii) “competent authority” means the chief controlling authority specified in section 4; (iii) “court” means any civil court of competent jurisdiction; (iv) “escheat” means any property the owner of which dies intestate and without leaving legal heir; (v) “Government” means the State Government; (vi) “local officer” means the officer appointed under section 5; (vii) “notification” means a notification published in the Telangana Gazette; and the word “notified” shall be construed accordingly; (viii) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made by the Government under this Act.