23. Manner of taking possession of Government land.
(1)If any obstruction, in the opinion of the District Collector or Settlement Officer or any other Officers duly authorised by the Government, is likely to occur:-(a)in taking possession of any Government land;(b)in the sealing of erection or work of the Government land under the Act;(c)the Revenue Officer or any other officer duly authorized by the Government in this behalf may obtain necessary police assistance.Provided that no sealing or taking possession of the unauthorized construction shall be made in the absence of at least two witnesses.(2)Where any Government land or of which possession is to be taken under the Act, wherein the land in question is found barricaded preventing access to the land or premises, the District Collector or Settlement Officer or Assistant Settlement Officer or any other Officers duly authorized by the Government in this behalf may either seal the gate in the presence of two witnesses or break open the locks or cause to open gate or other barrier and enter the premises.Provided that no entry shall be made into, or possession taken of the Government lands before sunrise or after sunset.
