(1) Whenever any treasure trove—
(i) exceeding, in amount or value, twenty-five rupees; or
(ii) of historical, archaeological or artistic interest, whatever be its value, is found, the finder shall, as soon as practicable, give to the Collector notice in writing—
(a) of the nature and amount or approximate value of such treasure trove;
(b) of the place in which it was found; and
(c) of the date of the finding, * Received the assent of the President on the 5th day of December, 1968 and published in the Kerala Gazette Extraordinary No. 266 dated 12th December, 1968.
3 and shall either deposit the treasure trove in the nearest Government treasury or give the Collector such security as the Collector thinks fit, to produce the treasure trove at such time and place as he may, from time to time, require.
(2) The owner of the place in which the treasure trove is found, if he is not the finder, and the occupier of such place if he is neither the finder nor the owner, shall also give notice in writing to the Collector specifying the particulars referred to in clauses (a), (b) and
(c) of sub-section (1), before the expiry of one month from the date on which the owner or the occupier, as the case may be, becomes aware of the finding of the treasure trove.
(3) If any question arises as to whether the amount or value of a treasure trove exceeds twenty-five rupees or whether a treasure trove is of historical, archaeological or artistic interest, the question shall be referred to the Collector who shall decide the same and his decision shall be final:
Provided that where the question referred to is as to whether a treasure trove is of historical, archaeological or artistic interest, the Collector shall, before deciding the question, consult the Director of Archaeology.