Section 18 in The ANCIENT MONUMENTS PRESERVATION ACT, 1977(1920 A.D.)
18. Power of Government to control moving of sculptures, carvings or like objects. __
(1)If 4[the Government] consider that any sculptures, carvings,images, bas-reliefs, inscriptions or other like objects ought not to be moved fromthe place where they are without the sanction of the Government, 4[the Government]may, by notification in the Government Gazette, direct that any such object or anyclass of such objects shall not be moved unless with the written permission of the [Director, Archaeology].(2)A person applying for the permission mentioned in sub-section (1) shall specifythe object or objects which he proposes to move, and shall furnish, in regard tosuch object or objects, any information which the 5[Director, Archaeology] mayrequire.(3)If the 5[Director, Archaeology] refuses to grant such permission, the applicantmay appeal to the Minister, whose decision shall be final.(4)Any person who moves any object in contravention of a notificationissued under sub-section (1), shall be punishable with fine which may extend to [twenty thousand rupees or with imprisonment which may extend to three monthsor both].(5)If the owner of any property proves to the satisfaction of 2[theGovernment] that he has suffered any loss or damage by reason of the inclusion ofsuch property in a notification published under sub-section (1), 2[the Government]shall either––(a)exempt such property from the said notification ;(b)purchase such property, if it be movable, at its market value ; or(c)pay compensation for any loss or damage sustained by the ownerof such property, if it be immovable.
