- Subject to the provisions of this Act and the exemptions contained in the Schedule, the following instruments shall be chargeable with duty of the amount indicated in that Schedule as the proper duty therefore, respectively, that is to say-(a)every instrument mentioned in the Schedule which, not having been previously executed by any person, is executed in the territories of the State of Kerala on or after the commencement of this Act, and(b)every instrument mentioned in that Schedule which not having been previously executed by any person, is executed out of the State of Kerala on or after that day, relates to any property situate, or to any matter or thing done or to be done, in the territories of the State of Kerala and is received in the territories of the State of Kerala. Provided that no duty shall be chargeable in respect of-(1)any instrument, executed by, or on behalf of; or in favour of, the Central Government or this or any other State Government, in cases where, but for this exemption, the Central Government or the State Government, would be liable to pay the duty chargeable in respect of such instrument;(2)any instrument for sale, transfer or other disposition either absolutely or by way of mortgage or otherwise of any ship or vessel or any part, interest, share or property of in any ship or vessel.
