(1) Where the Government is informed on a complaint or otherwise that a Board has made default in performing any duty imposed on it by or under this Act or by or under any enactment for the time being in force, the Government if satisfied after such enquiry as it thinks fit, that the Board has been guilty of the alleged default, may direct the performance of that duty within such period as may be fixed therefor:
Power of Government to provide for performance of duties in default of the Board.
[Act No. XLIV of 1956] 23
Provided that no such period shall be fixed unless the Board has been given an opportunity to show cause why such orders shall not be made.
(2) If the duty referred to in sub-section (1) is not performed within the period fixed therefor, the Government may appoint a person to perform it, and may direct that the expenses of performing it, with a reasonable remuneration to the person appointed to perform it, shall be forthwith paid by the Board.
(3) If the expense and remuneration are not so paid, the Government may make an order directing the officer-incharge of the treasury or bank in which the Mining Settlement Fund is kept or the whole or a portion thereof is deposited or lent on interest, to pay such expense and remuneration from such moneys as may be standing to the credit of the Board in such treasury or bank or as may from time to time be received from or on behalf of the Board by way of deposit by such treasury or bank, and such officer or bank shall be bound to obey such order. Every payment made pursuant to such orders shall be sufficient discharge to such officer or bank from all liability to the Board in respect of any sum or sums so paid out of the money so received or standing to the credit of the Board in such treasury or bank.