(1) Where, as a result of any excavations made in any area under section 21 or section 22, any antiquities are discovered the archaeological officer or the licensee, as the case may be, shall,-
(a) as soon as practicable examine such antiquities and submit a report to the Government in such manner and containing such particulars as may be prescribed;
(b) at the conclusion of the excavation operations, give notice in writing to the owner of the land from which such antiquities have been discovered, as to the nature of such antiquities.
(2) Until an order for the compulsory purchase of any such antiquities is made under sub-section (3), the archaeological officer or the licensee, as the case may be shall keep them in such safe custody as he may deem fit.
(3) On receipt of a report under sub-section (1), the Government may make an order for the compulsory purchase of any such antiquities at their market value.
(4) When an order for the compulsory purchase of any antiquities is made under sub-section (3), such antiquities shall vest in the Government with effect from the date of the order.
Excavations in areas other than protected areas.
Compulsory purchase of antiquities, etc., discovered during excavation operations.
24. Subject to the provisions of section 21 and save as provided in sections 22 and 23, no archaeological officer or other authority shall undertake, or authorise any person to undertake, any excavation or other like operation for archaeological purposes in any area which is not a protected area except with the previous approval of the Government and in accordance with such rules or directions, if any, as the Government may make or give in this behalf.
PROTECTION OF ANTIQUITIES