(1) This Act may be called the 2Telangana Escheats and Bona Vacantia Act, 1974.
(2) It extends to the whole of the 2State of Telangana.
(3) It shall come into force on such date as the Government may, by notification, appoint.
2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,-
(i) “bona vacantia” includes any property, situated in the State, of which there is no rightful owner, but does not include an escheat or any movable property found in a public place;
(ii) “competent authority” means the chief controlling authority specified in section 4;
(iii) “court” means any civil court of competent jurisdiction;
1. The Andhra Pradesh Escheats and Bona Vacantia Act, 1974 received the assent of the Governor on 07.09.1974. The said Act in force in the combined State, as on 02.06.2014, has been adapted to the State of Telangana, under section 101 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 (Central Act 6 of 2014) vide. the Telangana Adaptation of Laws Order, 2016, issued in G.O.Ms.No.45, Law (F) Department, dated
01.06.2016.
2. Substituted by G.O.Ms.No.45, Law (F) Department, Dated 01.06.2016.
Short title, extent and commencement.
Definitions.
2 [Act No. 35 of 1974]
(iv) “escheat” means any property the owner of which dies intestate and without leaving legal heir;
(v) “Government” means the State Government;
(vi) “local officer” means the officer appointed under section 5;
(vii) “notification” means a notification published in the 3Telangana Gazette; and the word “notified” shall be construed accordingly;
(viii) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made by the Government under this Act.
CHAPTER-II GENERAL
3. All property situated in the State, which is vested in the State by escheat or lapse or as bona vacantia for want of a rightful owner, shall belong to the Government and the Government shall be the owner of all such property.
4. Subject to the general or special orders of the Government, the general superintendence of all escheat and bona vacantia shall be vested in the Board of Revenue or in such other officer or authority as may be empowered by the Government in this behalf, who shall be the chief controlling authority in all matters connected with the administration of escheats and bona vacantia under this Act.