Section 18: Power to Central Government to control moving of sculptures , carvings or like objects

(1) If1[the Central Government] considers that any sculptures, carvings, images, bas-reliefs, inscriptions or other like objects ought not to be moved from the place where they are without the sanction of [the CentralGovernment], [the Central Government] may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct that any such object or any class of such objects shall not be moved unless with the written permission of the Collector.

(2) A person applying for the permission mentioned in sub-section (1) shall specify the object or objects which he proposes to move and shall furnish, in regard to such object or objects, any information which the Collector may require.

(3) If the Collector refuses to grant such permission, the applicant may appeal to the Commissioner, whose decision shall be final.

(4) Any person who moves any object in contravention of a notification issued under sub-section (1), shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees.

(5) If the owner of any property proves to the satisfaction of [the Central Government] that he has suffered any loss or damage by reason of the inclusion of such property in a notification published under subsection (1), [the Central Government] shall either—

(a) exempt such property from the said notification;

(b) purchase such property, if it be moveable, at its market - value; or

(c) pay compensation for any loss or damage sustained by the owner of such property, if it be immoveable.