PASAYAT, J.

( 1 ) ANTIQUITIES are, as Becon had written history defaced, or some remounts of history which have casually escaped the shipwreck of time. Faith and belief transform a piece of stone to be an idol or statue of God or Goddess. Conversely it becomes a show or decorative piece. It has become a matter of great concern that stone idols are being smuggled out of the country to become show-pieces in the drawing-rooms. This is not a new phenomenon, and even a century back such activities had caused concern as discussions infre would go to show. To regulate the export trade in antiquities and art treasures, to provide for prevention of smuggling of, fraudulent dealings in antiquities, and to provide for the compulsory acquisition of antiquities and art treasures for preservation in public places. The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 (in short, the 'antiquities Act') has been enacted by Parliament in the Twenty-third Year of the Republic of India.

( 2 ) IT came to the notice of this Court that large quantities of antiquities which were stolen out of the places of worship are lying in different malkhanas of the State. Anxious considerations were given to work out modalit