Acquisition by State

(1) Within sixty days of any registration under section 39, the Director may by notice in writing in the prescribed form addressed to and served upon the person who has registered his National Institute of Culture 26 and History possession, custody or control of any ancient monument or antiquity, acquire and thereby take possession of such ancient monument or antiquity, if in his opinion the national interest would likely be furthered by such acquisition. (2) Where in any other case the Director has reasonable cause to believe that any person has in his possession, custody or control any ancient monument or antiquity, and– (a) that person has not registered his possession, custody or control of the ancient monument or antiquity under section 39; or (b) that person has not been granted a licence to keep the ancient monument or antiquity in his possession, custody or control under section 43, the Director may by notice in writing in the prescribed form addressed to and served upon that person, acquire and thereby take possession of such ancient monument or antiquity, if in his opinion the national interest would likely be furthered by such acquisition. (3) Upon service of any notice pursuant to sub-sections (1) and (2) of this section, the person to whom the notice is addressed shall deliver up or cause to be delivered up to the Director all ancient monuments and antiquities in his possession, custody or control. (4) Any person who contravenes sub-section (3) of this section, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months, or to both such fine and term of imprisonment, and in addition, the ancient monument or antiquity shall be forfeited to the State. National Institute of Culture and History 27