The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958

The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 is a law that was enacted by the Parliament of India to provide for the preservation of ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance. The Act lays down provisions for the maintenance, preservation, and protection of such monuments and sites, and provides for the regulation of their use and development. The Act establishes the Archaeological Survey of India as the central agency responsible for the survey and maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites in India. The Act also empowers the central government to acquire any property that is of historical or archaeological importance, and prohibits any person from destroying, removing, altering, defacing, or injuring any ancient monument or archaeological site. Violation of the provisions of the Act is punishable with imprisonment and/or a fine.