(1) (a) If upon an enquiry under section 7, the Deputy Commissioner considers that there are no reasons to believe that the treasure was hidden within one hundred years before the date of finding by a person referred to in sub-section (1) of section 7; or
(b) where a period is fixed under sub-section (1) of section 7 for institution of a suit in a Civil Court and no suit is instituted within such period to the knowledge of the Deputy Commissioner; or
(c) if such suit is instituted within such period, and the plaintiff’s claim is finally rejected;
the Deputy Commissioner may declare the treasure to be ownerless.
(2) When a declaration is made under sub-section (1), a report thereof shall be sent by the Deputy Commissioner to the State Government and the prescribed officer.
(3) Any person aggrieved by a declaration made under sub-section (1), may appeal against the declaration within sixty days from the date thereof to the 1[Karnataka Revenue Appellate Tribunal]1 and subject to such appeal, every such declaration shall be final and conclusive.
1. Adapted by the Karnataka Adaptations of Laws Order, 1973 w.e.f. 01.11.1973.
CHAPTER III DISPOSAL OF TREASURE DECLARED AS OWNERLESS