The Asiatic Society Act, 1984
The Asiatic Society Act, 1984, Act No. 5 of 1984, was enacted by Parliament on 23 March 1984 to declare the Asiatic Society in Calcutta an institution of national importance and establish Central Government oversight of its funding, administration and property. It does not create a Tamil Nadu land approval or registration process, but anyone dealing with property owned by the Asiatic Society should note the restrictions on disposal of property acquired with Central Government funds.
What the Act governs
The Asiatic Society Act, 1984 applies to the Asiatic Society registered under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961 and having its registered office in Calcutta. The Act declares the Society an institution of national importance. The commencement note identifies 25 June 1984 as the date appointed by Central Government notification.
The Central Government may provide the Society with grants, loans or other financial support following appropriation by Parliament. Supported activities include research, literary, library, scientific and museological work, collecting manuscripts, coins and art objects, and publishing periodicals, books and other literature.
Financial and administrative controls
The Asiatic Society must maintain proper accounts and prepare an annual statement of accounts in a form approved by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India. Its accounts are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India, and the certified accounts and audit report must be sent annually to the Central Government and laid before both Houses of Parliament.
Key controls include:
- The Society must submit an annual report covering its activities, policies and programmes.
- Central Government approval is required before changing the Society's purposes, amending its memorandum or regulations, amalgamating with another institution or dissolving the Society.
- The Central Government may establish a Planning Board and committees to advise on development, work programmes and financial estimates.
- A committee may review the Society's work, inspect its buildings, equipment and other assets, and evaluate its progress.
- The Society must provide the Planning Board and committees with the facilities needed to perform their duties.
Property transactions and government intervention
The Asiatic Society cannot sell or otherwise dispose of property acquired with money specifically provided by the Central Government without prior Central Government approval. An exception may be made for movable property or classes of movable property specified by the Central Government through a general or special order.
The Central Government may issue directions in the public interest, including directions to amend the Society's memorandum or regulations or prioritise particular work. If the Society fails to follow specified directions, or its Council exceeds or abuses its powers, the Central Government may follow the stated process and appoint one or more persons to take over management of the Society or particular activities for a period not exceeding two years.
Relevance to Tamil Nadu property readers
The Asiatic Society Act, 1984 does not set out general rules for buying, selling, registering or changing the use of land in Tamil Nadu. Its property restriction is relevant only where a proposed transaction involves property of the Asiatic Society that was acquired using money specifically provided by the Central Government.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Does the Asiatic Society Act, 1984 regulate ordinary land purchases in Tamil Nadu?
The source contains no procedure for ordinary land purchases, registration or land use in Tamil Nadu. It governs the Asiatic Society in Calcutta and Central Government oversight of that institution.
Can the Asiatic Society sell property bought with Central Government money?
The Society needs prior approval from the Central Government before selling or otherwise disposing of property acquired with money specifically provided for that acquisition by the Central Government.
Are movable assets exempt from the approval requirement?
Central Government approval is not required for movable property, or a class of movable property, that the Central Government has specified through a general or special order.
Can the Central Government take over management of the Asiatic Society?
Yes. After following the stated show cause process, the Central Government may appoint one or more persons to manage the Society or specified activities if directions are not followed without reasonable cause, or if the Council exceeds or abuses its powers. The takeover period specified in the order cannot exceed two years.
