Section 9: Power of close areas.

(1) The Central Government may, in the public interest, by order in writing and communicated to the permittee, licensee or lessee, as the case may be, close any area either in part or whole, covered under any operating right, for [such period as may be specified in the order, for] the preservation of natural environment and prevention of pollution, or to avoid danger to public health, or communication, or to ensure safety of any offshore structure or platform, or for the conservation of [offshore mineral, or for regulation of offshore areas, or for national security] or for any other strategic consideration.

(2) Any area, either in part or whole closed under sub-section (1) and included in any operating right, shall, from the date of such order, be deemed to be excluded for the purposes of the operating right [for such period as may be specified in the order and the holder of the operating right shall not undertake any operation in the area covered under such order [during the period of closure specified therein].