24. Power to enter on land and to cut and remove crops. -
(1)If, in the opinion of the [State Government] [Words 'Provincial Government' substituted for the words 'Local Government' by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937 and thereafter the word 'State' substituted for the word 'Provincial' by the Adaptation of Laws Order, 1950.], it is desirable for the purpose of collecting information regarding the outturn of produce from any agricultural land, the [State Government] [Words 'Provincial Government' substituted for the words 'Local Government' by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937 and thereafter the word 'State' substituted for the word 'Provincial' by the Adaptation of Laws Order, 1950.] may, by general or special order, authorise any officer and his servants and workmen, subject to rules made under this Act, to enter upon any land and to do any acts necessary for the purpose of obtaining such information:Provided that no person shall enter into any building or upon any enclosed courtyard or garden attached to a dwelling house (except with the consent of the occupier thereof) without previously giving such occupier at least seven days notice in writing of his intention to do so.(2)If, in the opinion of any officer authorised under sub-section (1), it is necessary to remove any crop for the purpose of ascertaining, by weighment or otherwise, the amount of the produce derived from any land, he may, subject to rules made under this Act, and after giving notice in writing, forthwith take possession of any standing crop on such land or part thereof, and may cause such crop to be cut and to be removed within such reasonable period as he may consider necessary.(3)In every case under sub-section (2), such officer shall offer to the persons interested compensation for the standing crop cut and, subject to rules made under this Act, for any other damage caused during the process of cutting and removal; and, if such offer is not accepted, the value of the crop cut and the amount of the damage so caused shall be assessed by the Collector in the prescribed manner.
