2.36 Power of Central Government to issue directions to competent authority:
2.36.1 Bare Act Provision:
20M. Power of Central Government to issue directions to competent authority.―Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions of this Act, the competent authority shall, in exercise of its powers or the discharge of its functions under this Act, be bound by such directions, as the Central Government may give in writing to it from time to time.
Footnote:
1. Ins. by Act 10 of 2010, s. 4 (w.e.f. 16-6-1992).
2.36.2 Power of Central Government to Issue Directions to Competent Authority
Section 20M of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, empowers the Central Government to issue binding directions to the competent authority to ensure alignment with national heritage protection objectives. The Central Government can give written instructions to the competent authority i.e. local officials implementing the AMASR Act at any time, and the competent authority must follow them. These directions do not override other parts of the Act. This provision ensures that competent authorities operate in line with national heritage protection goals set by the Central Government. It promotes consistency and coherence across Bharat’s diverse regions while preserving the Act’s existing framework, balancing centralized oversight with local implementation.[1]
References:
[1] “The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Bill, 2023” Anjali Gandhi, The Swaniti Blog, Dt. 16.09.2024, available at https://www.swaniti.com/the-ancient-monuments-and-archaeological-sites-and-remains-amendment-bill-2023/, Last visited on 16.07.2025
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