Ancient Monuments Act 1958

Questions and Answers

What is the maximum depth for cultivation allowed within a protected area without the Central Government's permission?

One foot (correct)

Two feet

Three feet

No restriction on depth

Which authority has the power to remove buildings constructed within a protected area without permission?

The Central Government

The Chief Minister

The Collector (correct)

The local municipality

Under what condition can the Central Government acquire a protected area?

If commercial activities are planned

If community development is needed

If the area is polluted

If it contains an ancient monument or antiquities of national interest (correct)

What actions towards constructing buildings are prohibited without Central Government permission in a protected area?

Building any structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the legal reference governing the acquisition of a protected area containing objects of national interest?

Land Acquisition Act, 1894 Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence for a person who fails to comply with the order to remove an illegally constructed building in a protected area?

The building will be forcibly removed at their expense Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958?

To provide for the preservation of ancient and historical monuments Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the scope of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958?

It extends to the whole of India. Signup and view all the answers

Which power is explicitly mentioned in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958?

Power to make rules related to preservation Signup and view all the answers

Which date marks the beginning of the applicability of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958?

Date appointed by the Central Government Signup and view all the answers

What action does Section 36 of the Act refer to?

Power to correct mistakes and similar actions Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence outlined in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958?

Actions taken under the Act are protected from legal challenge Signup and view all the answers

What is the time frame in which the Authority must inform the competent authority about the impact of the construction after receiving an application?

Two months Signup and view all the answers

What action must the competent authority take within one month of receiving intimation from the Authority?

Grant or refuse permission as recommended Signup and view all the answers

What must occur if the competent authority refuses to grant permission under section 4?

Intimate in writing within three months Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions may the competent authority withdraw permission after it has been granted?

If adverse impacts are identified during ongoing work Signup and view all the answers

What is the finality of the Authority's recommendations?

They are considered final Signup and view all the answers

What may the competent authority grant in exceptional cases prior to the establishment of heritage bye-laws?

Permission to certain applicants Signup and view all the answers

How soon must the competent authority notify the applicant about their decision if permission is refused?

Within three months Signup and view all the answers

What document is necessary to accompany a refusal of permission under section 6?

An order in writing stating the refusal Signup and view all the answers

What must an annual report prepared by the Authority include?

A full description of all activities of the Authority for the previous year Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario can the Central Government call for information from the Authority?

When the Central Government deems it expedient Signup and view all the answers

Who is allowed to conduct excavations in protected areas?

An archaeological officer or an authorized officer Signup and view all the answers

What is required before an archaeological officer can excavate in non-protected areas?

A notice in writing to the Collector and the owner Signup and view all the answers

What format must the annual report provided by the Authority follow?

A format prescribed by the Central Government Signup and view all the answers

What is the main condition for conducting excavations in areas believed to have archaeological importance?

After giving notice in writing to the Collector and the owner Signup and view all the answers

Which clause allows certain offences to be classified as cognizable offences?

Clause (i) of sub-section (1) of section 30 Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum fine that a first-class magistrate can impose on an offender under the provisions mentioned?

Exceeding two thousand rupees Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions can debts owed to the Government be recovered?

With a certificate from the Director-General or authorized officer Signup and view all the answers

Which entity has the authority to declare that an ancient monument has ceased to be of national importance?

The Central Government Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the Central Government determines a monument has ceased to be of national importance?

It is removed from the official list of national monuments Signup and view all the answers

What requirement is specified for a magistrate passing a sentence of fine exceeding two thousand rupees?

Must be specially empowered by the State Government Signup and view all the answers

What is the general significance of classifying an offence as cognizable?

It mandates immediate arrest without a warrant Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about fines under this Act is correct?

Fines can be imposed for offences punishable under this Act Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958

Established to preserve ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites of national importance.
Regulates archaeological excavations and protects sculptures, carvings, and similar objects.
Enacted as Act No. 24 of 1958 and effective from 28th August 1958.

Key Provisions

Prohibitions are in place for constructing buildings or conducting mining, quarrying, or excavation in protected areas without permission from the Central Government.
Cultivation is allowed in protected areas if it does not disturb more than one foot of soil.
The Central Government can order the removal of unauthorized constructions within these areas.

Authority and Administration

An Authority is established to oversee applications for construction in and around protected areas and assess the impact of development projects.
Decisions by the Authority regarding permissions are final and must be communicated within specified timeframes.

Archaeological Excavations

Archaeological officers may conduct excavations in protected areas with prior notification to relevant authorities.
The Act allows excavations in areas beyond protected zones if historical or archaeological significance is suspected, again with prior notice.

Offences and Penalties

Specific offences under the Act are deemed cognizable, allowing for immediate legal action.
Magistrates can impose fines exceeding two thousand rupees for offences punishable under this Act.

Reporting and Compliance

The Authority is required to prepare an annual report detailing activities for the preceding year, which must be submitted to Parliament.
The Central Government can request information regarding the Authority's operations as needed.

Provisions for National Importance

The Central Government has the authority to declare that certain monuments or sites no longer hold national importance, thus revising their protected status.

Miscellaneous Provisions

Power exists for the Central Government to acquire protected areas deemed to contain monuments or antiquities of national interest under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958. This quiz covers key provisions, regulations for excavation, and the importance of preserving national heritage. Learn about the protections in place for ancient structures and artifacts.