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The Antiquities Act, 1968

( ACT NO. XIV OF 1968 )

Prohibition of archaeological excavation without licence
25. (1) No person shall make on any land any excavation for archaeological purposes except under and in accordance with a licence granted by the Director.
 
 
 
 
(2) A licence under sub-section (1) in respect of any land shall not be granted to any person other than the owner of the land except in accordance with the terms of an agreement with the owner, and any such agreement may provide for -
 
 
 
 
(a) the restriction of the owner's rights in respect of the use and occupation of such land;
 
 
 
 
(b) the compensation or any other consideration to be paid to the owner; and
 
 
 
 
(c) any other matter connected with the use of the land for the purpose of such excavation.
 
 
 
 
(3) A licence under sub-section (1) shall not be refused to an owner if he undertakes to carry on the excavation in such manner that it will not result in the loss of archaeological or historical material which in the national interest should be preserved.
 
 
 
 
(4) Whoever contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
 
 
 
 
(5) The Court trying an offence under sub-section (4) may direct that any object found in the course of an excavation constituting such offence shall be forfeited to the Government.

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