Section 24 in The Ancient Monuments And Archaeological Sites And Remains Act, 1958
24. Excavations, etc., for archaeological purposes .-No State Government shall undertake or authorise any person to undertake any excavation or other like operators for archaeological purposes in any area which is not a protected area except with the previous approval of the Central Government and in accordance with such rules or directions, if any, as the Central Government may make or give in this behalf.
