9Power of entry

(1) For the purposes of ascertaining the availability of any oil or natural gas, the Central Government may, on the request being made by the Corporation, authorise any officer or employee of the Corporation, by general or special order,--

(a) to enter and inspect any land;

(b) to survey and take measurements of such land;

(c) to dig holes or perform any other functions for the purposes of measuring or prospecting for the availability of oil and natural gas; and

(d) to examine any document, book, register or record in the possession or power of any person having the control of or connected with any such land and place marks of identification thereon and take extracts from and make copies of any such document, book, register or record.

(2) Every person authorised by the Central Government under sub-section (1) shall be deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).

(3) The Corporation shall be liable to pay compensation for any loss or damage caused to the land caused by its officers or employees in performing the functions under sub-section (1) in such manner as may be prescribed to the occupier of the land.

(4) The amount of compensation payable under sub-section (3) shall be determined by the competent authority appointed by the Central Government in the manner prescribed.