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INLAND WATERWAYS AUTHORITY OF INDIA ACT 1985

ACT NO. 82 OF 1985

[30th December, 1985.]

Short title and commencement.

1. Short title and commencement. (1) This Act may be called the Inland Waterways Authority of India Act, 1985.

(2) It shall come into force on such date 1* as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.

Definitions. 2. Definitions. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,-- (a) "appurtenant land" means all lands appurtenant to a national waterway, whether demarcated or not; (b) "Authority" means the Inland Waterways Authority of India constituted under section 3; (c) "channel" means any waterway, whether natural or artificial; (d) "conservancy" includes dredging, training, closure, diversion or abandoning channels; (e) "conservancy measures" means measures for purposes of conservancy, but does not include measures for protection of banks against floods or for restricting banks which have become eroded mainly on account of reasons not connected with shipping and navigation; (f) "infrastructure" includes structures such as docks, wharves, jetties, landing stages, locks, buoys, inland ports, cargo handling equipment, road and rail access and cargo storage spaces, and the expression "infrastructural facilities" shall be construed accordingly; --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. 27-10-1986 : Vide Notification No. S.O. 763 (E), dated 27-10- 1986, Gazette of India, Extraordinary, 1986, Part II, section 3 (ii). 460 (g) "member" means a member of the Authority appointed under

sub-section (3) of section 3; (h) "national waterway" means the inland waterway declared by section 2 of the National Waterway (Allahabad-Haldia Stretch of the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly River) Act, 1982 (49 of 1982), to be a national waterway. Explanation.--If Parliament declares by law any other waterway to be a national waterway, then from the date on which such declaration takes effect, such other waterway-- (i) shall be deemed also to be a national waterway within the meaning of this clause; and (ii) the provisions of this Act shall, with necessary modifications (including modification for construing any reference to the commencement of this Act as a reference to the date aforesaid), apply to such national waterway; (i) "navigable channel" means a channel navigable during the whole or a part of the year; (j) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act; (k) "regulations" means regulations made by the Authority under this Act; and (l) "rules" means rules made by the Central Government under this Act. CHAP INLAND WATERWAYS AUTHORITY OF INDIA CHAPTER II INLAND WATERWAYS AUTHORITY OF INDIA

Constitution and incorporation of the Inland Waterways Authority ofIndia. 3. Constitution and incorporation of the Inland Waterways

Authority of India. (1) With effect from such date 1* as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint in this behalf, there shall be constituted for the purposes of this Act an Authority, to be called the Inland Waterways Authority of India.

(2) The Authority shall be a body corporate by the name aforesaid, having perpetual succession and a common seal with power, subject to the provisions of this Act, to acquire, hold and dispose of property, both movable and immovable, and to contract and shall by the said name sue and be sued.

(3) The Authority shall consist of the following members, namely:-- (a) a Chairman; (b) a Vice-Chairman; and (c) such number of persons, not exceeding five, to be appointed by the Central Government.

(4) The Authority may associate with itself, in such manner and for such purposes as may be determined by regulations, any person whose assistance or advice it may desire in complying with any of the provisions of this Act and a person so associated shall have the right to take part --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. 27-10-1986 : Vide Notification No. S.O. 764 (E), dated 27-10- 1986, Gazette of India, Extraordinary, 1986, Part II, section 3 (ii). 461 in the discussions of the Authority relevant to the purpose for which he has been associated, but shall not be entitled to vote.

Conditions of service of members. 4. Conditions of service of members. The term of office and other conditions of service of the members shall be such as may be prescribed.

Powers of Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

5. Powers of Chairman and Vice-Chairman. (1) The Chairman of the Authority shall, in addition to presiding over the meetings of the Authority, exercise and discharge such powers and duties of the Authority as may be delegated to him by the Authority and such other powers and duties as may be prescribed.

(2) The Vice-Chairman of the Authority shall exercise and discharge such of the powers and duties of the Chairman as may be prescribed or as may be delegated to him by the Authority.

Removal, etc., of members.

6. Removal, etc., of members. (1) The Central Government may remove from the Authority any member who, in its opinion,-- (a) refuses to act, (b) has become incapable to act, (c) has so abused his office as to render his continuance in office detrimental to the public interest, or (d) is otherwise unsuitable to continue as a member.

(2) The Central Government may suspend any member pending an inquiry against him.

(3) No order of removal under this section shall be made unless the member concerned has been given an opportunity to submit his explanation to the Central Government and when such order is passed, the seat of the member removed shall be declared vacant.

(4) A member who has been removed under this section shall not be eligible for re-appointment as a member or in any capacity under the Authority.

Vacancy, etc., not to invalidate proceedings of the Authority. 7. Vacancy, etc., not to invalidate proceedings of the Authority. No act or proceeding of the Authority shall be invalidated merely by reason of-- (a) any vacancy in, or any defect in the constitution of, the Authority; or (b) any defect in the appointment of a person acting as a member of the Authority; or (c) any irregularity in the procedure of the Authority not affecting the merits of the case.

Secretary and other officers.

8. Secretary and other officers. (1) The Authority may appoint the Secretary and such other officers and employees as it considers necessary for the efficient discharge of its functions under this Act.

(2) The terms and conditions of service of the Secretary and other officers and employees of the Authority shall be such as may be determined by regulations. 462

Advisory Committees.

9. Advisory Committees. (1) Subject to any rules made in this behalf, the Authority may from time to time constitute such Advisory Committees as may be necessary for the efficient discharge of its functions.

(2) Every Advisory Committee shall consist of such number of persons connected with shipping and navigation and allied aspects as the Authority may deem fit.

Authority to act on business principles. 10. Authority to act on business principles. In the discharge of its functions under this Act, the Authority shall act, so far as may be, on business principles. CHAP PROPERTY AND CONTRACTS CHAPTER III PROPERTY AND CONTRACTS

Transfer of assets and liabilities of the Central Government to theAuthority. 11. Transfer of assets and liabilities of the Central Government

to the Authority. (1) As from such day 1* as the Central Government may, appoint by notification in the official Gazette,-- (a) all properties and other assets vested in the Central Government for the purposes of Inland Water Transport Directorate, and administered by the Chief Engineer-cum- Administrator, Inland Water Transport Directorate, immediately before such day shall vest in the Authority; (b) all debts, obligations and liabilities incurred, all contracts entered into and all matters and things engaged to be done by, with, or for the Central Government immediately before such day for or in connection with the purposes of Inland Water Transport Directorate shall be deemed to have been incurred; entered into and engaged to be done by, with, or for the Authority; (c) all non-recurring expenditure incurred by the Central Government for or in connection with the purposes of Inland Water Transport Directorate up to such day and declared to be capital expenditure by the Central Government shall, subject to such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Central Government, be treated as capital provided by the Central Government to the Authority; (d) all sums of money due to the Central Government in relation to Inland Water Transport Directorate immediately before such day shall be deemed to be due to the Authority; (e) all suits and other legal proceedings with respect to any matter in relation to Inland Water Transport Directorate which having been instituted by or against the Central Government are pending, or which could have been so instituted, immediately before such date shall on and after such date be continued or instituted by or against the Authority; and (f) every employee holding any office under the Central Government immediately before such day solely or mainly for or in connection with such affairs of Inland Water Transport Directorate as are relevant to the functions of the Authority under this --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. 27-10-1986 : Vice Notification No. S.O. 767 (E), dated 27-10- 1986, Extraordinary, 1986, Part II, section 3 (ii). 463 Act shall be treated as on deputation with the Authority but shall hold his office in the Authority by the same tenure and upon the same terms and conditions of service as respects remuneration, leave, provident fund, retirement or other terminal benefits as he would have held such office, if the Authority had not been constituted and shall continue to do so until the Central Government, either on its own motion or at the request of the Authority, recalls such employee to its service or until the Authority, with the concurrence of the Central Government, duly absorbs such employee in its regular service, whichever is earlier: Provided that during the period of deputation of any such employee with the Authority, the Authority shall pay to the Central Government in respect of every such employee, such contribution towards his leave salary, pension and gratuity as the Central Government may, by order, determine: Provided further that any such employee, who has, in respect of the proposal of the Authority to absorb him in its regular service, intimated within such time as may be specified in this behalf by the Authority his intention of not becoming a regular employee of the Authority, shall not be absorbed by the Authority in its regular service.

(2) If any dispute or doubt arises as to which of the properties, rights or liabilities of the Central Government have been transferred to the Authority or as to which of the employees serving under the Central Government are to be treated as on deputation with the Authority, under this section, such dispute or doubt shall be decided by the Central Government in consultation with the Authority and the decision of the Central Government thereon shall be final.

(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (14 of 1947) or in any other law for the time being in force, the absorption of any employee by the Authority in its regular service under this section shall not entitle such employee to any compensation under that Act or other law and no such claim shall be entertained by any court, tribunal or other authority.

Contracts by the Authority. 12. Contracts by the Authority. Subject to the provisions of section 13, the Authority shall be competent to enter into and perform any contract necessary for the discharge of its functions under this Act.

Mode of executing contracts on behalf of the Authority.

13. Mode of executing contracts on behalf of the Authority. (1) Every contract shall, on behalf of the Authority, be made by the Chairman or such other member or such officer of the Authority as may be generally or specially empowered in this behalf by the Authority and such contracts or class of contracts as may be specified in the regulations shall be sealed with the common seal of the Authority: Provided that no contract exceeding such value or amount as the Central Government may, from time to time, by order, fix in this behalf shall be made unless it has been previously approved by the Authority: Provided further that no contract for the acquisition or sale of immovable property or for the lease of any such property for a term exceeding thirty years and no other contract exceeding such value or 464 amount as the Central Government may, from time to time, by order, fix in this behalf shall be made unless it has been previously approved by the Central Government.

(2) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (1), the form and manner in which any contract shall be made under this Act shall be such as may be prescribed by regulations.

(3) No contract which is not in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the regulations shall be binding on the Authority. CHAP FUNCTIONS AND POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY CHAPTER IV FUNCTIONS AND POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY

Functions of the Authority.

14. Functions of the Authority. (1) The Authority may-- (a) carry out surveys and investigations for the development, maintenance and better utilisation of the national waterways and the appurtenant land for shipping and navigation and prepare schemes in this behalf; (b) provide or permit setting up of infrastructural facilities for national waterways; (c) carry out conservancy measures and training works and do all other acts necessary for the safety and convenience of shipping and navigation and improvement of the national waterways; (d) control activities such as throwing rubbish, dumping or removal of material, in or from the bed of the national waterways and appurtenant land, in so far as they may affect safe and efficient, shipping and navigation, maintenance of navigable channels, river training and conservancy measures; (e) remove or alter any obstruction or impediment in the national waterways and the appurtenant land which may impede the safe navigation or endanger safety of infrastructural facilities or conservancy measures where such obstruction or impediment has been lawfully made or has become lawful by reason of long continuance of such obstruction or impediment or otherwise, after making compensation to person suffering damage by such removal or alteration; (f) provide for the regulation of navigation and traffic (including the rule of the road) on national waterways; (g) regulate the construction or alteration of structures on, across or under the national waterways; (h) disseminate navigational meteorological information about national waterways; (i) ensure co-ordination of inland water transport on national waterways with other modes of transport; and (j) establish and maintain pilotage on national waterways. 465

(2) The Authority may also-- (a) advise the Central Government on matters relating to inland water transport; (b) study the transport requirement with a view to co- ordinating inland water transport with other modes of transport; (c) carry out hydrographic surveys and publish river charts; (d) assist, on such terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed upon, any State Government in formulation and implementation of scheme for inland water transport development; (e) develop consultancy services and provide such services, on such terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed upon, in India and abroad in relation to planning and development of waterways for shipping and navigation or any facility thereat; (f) conduct research in matters relating to inland water transport including development of craft design, mechanisation of country crafts, technique of towage, landing and terminal facilities, port installations and survey techniques; (g) lay down standards for classification of inland waterways; (h) arrange programme of technical training for inland water transport personnel within and outside the country; and (i) perform such other functions as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.

(3) Any dispute arising out of or concerning the compensation

referred to in clause (e) of sub-section (1) shall be determined according to the law relating to like disputes in the case of land required for public purposes.

(4) Every scheme, prepared by the Authority to carry out

functions under sub-sections (1) and (2), involving capital expenditure exceeding the amount as may be prescribed, shall be submitted to the Central Government for approval.

(5) The Central Government may either approve the scheme

submitted to it under sub-section (4) without modification or with such modifications as it may consider necessary or reject the scheme with directions to the Authority to prepare a fresh scheme according to such directions.

Amendment of schemes. 15. Amendment of schemes. The Authority shall not make any

material change in the scheme approved under sub-section (5) of section 14 without the prior approval of the Central Government. Explanation.--For the purposes of this section, "material change" means an increase in the cost of the scheme by more than twenty per cent. of its cost or a change in the benefit and cost ratio which either makes the cost component in the ratio exceeds the benefit or reduces the benefit component by more than twenty per cent. 1* * * * * 466 CHAP FINANCE, ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT CHAPTER V FINANCE, ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT

Levy and collection of fees and charges.

17. Levy and collection of fees and charges. (1) The Authority may, with the previous approval of the Central Government, levy fees and charges at such rates as may be laid down by regulations made in this behalf for services or benefits rendered in relation to the use of the national waterways for the purposes of shipping, navigation, infrastructural facilities, including facilities for passengers and facilities relating to the berthing of vessels, handling of cargoes and storage of cargoes.

(2) The fees and charges levied under sub-section (1) shall be collected in such manner as may be determined by regulations.

Grants and loans by the Central Government. 18. Grants and loans by the Central Government. The Central Government may, after due appropriation made by Parliament by law in this behalf, make to the Authority grants and loans of such sums of money as that Government may consider necessary.

Constitution of the Fund.

19. Constitution of the Fund. (1) There shall be constituted a Fund to be called the Inland Waterways Authority of India Fund and there shall be credited thereto-- (a) any grants and loans made to the Authority by the Central Government under section 18; (b) all fees and charges received by the Authority under this Act; and (c) all sums received by the Authority from such other sources as may be decided upon by the Central Government.

(2) The Fund shall be applied for meeting-- (a) salary, allowances and other remuneration of the members, officers and other employees of the Authority; 1 Omitted by Act 8 of 1994, s. 2. 467 (b) expenses of the Authority in the discharge of its functions under section 14; and (c) expenses on objects and for purposes authorised by this Act.

Budget. 20. Budget. The Authority shall prepare, in such form and at such time each financial year as may be prescribed, its budget for the next financial year, showing the estimated receipts and expenditure of the Authority and forward the same to the Central Government.

Investment of funds. 21. Investment of funds. The Authority may invest its funds (including any reserve fund) in the securities of the Central Government or in such other manner as may be prescribed.

Annual report. 22. Annual report. The Authority shall prepare, in such form and at such time each financial year as may be prescribed, its annual report, giving a full account of its activities during the previous financial year, and submit a copy thereof to the Central Government.

Accounts and audit. 23. Accounts and audit. The accounts of the Authority shall be maintained and audited in such manner as may, in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India, be prescribed and the Authority shall furnish, to the Central Government, before such date as may be prescribed, its audited copy of accounts together with the auditors' report thereon.

Annual report and auditors' report to be laid before Parliament. 24. Annual report and auditors' report to be laid before Parliament. The Central Government shall cause the annual report and auditors' report to be laid, as soon as may be after they are received, before each House of Parliament. CHAP MISCELLANEOUS CHAPTER VI MISCELLANEOUS

Power of Central Government to issue directions.

25. Power of Central Government to issue directions. (1) Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions of this Act, the Authority shall, in the discharge of its functions and duties under this Act, be bound by such directions on questions of policy as the Central Government may give in writing to it from time to time: Provided that the Authority shall, as far as practicable, be given opportunity to express its views before any direction is given under this sub-section.

(2) The decision of the Central Government whether a question is one of policy or not shall be final.

Compulsory acquisition of land for the Authority. 26. Compulsory acquisition of land for the Authority. Any land required by the Authority for discharging its functions under this Act shall be deemed to be needed for a public purpose and such land may be acquired for the Authority under the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (1 of 1894.) or of any other corresponding law for the time being in force. 468

Application, etc., of certain laws.

27. Application, etc., of certain laws. (1) The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to the provisions of the Indian Ports Act, 1908 (15 of 1908) and the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963 (38 of 1963) and in particular nothing in this Act shall affect any jurisdiction, functions, powers or duties required to be exercised, performed or discharged by-- (a) the conservator of any port or by any officer or authority under the Indian Ports Act, 1908 (15 of 1908) or (b) the Board of Trustees for any major port or by any officer or authority under the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963 (38 of 1963) in or in relation to any portion of an inland waterway (including the national waterway) falling within the limits of such port or major port.

(2) Nothing in this Act shall affect the operation of the Inland Vessels Act, 1917 (1 of 1917) or any other Central Act (other than the Indian Ports Act, 1908 (15 of 1908) and the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963 (38 of 1963) or any State or provincial Act in force immediately before the commencement of this Act with respect to shipping and navigation on any national waterway 1***.

Power to enter. 28. Power to enter. Subject to any rules made in this behalf, any person, generally or specially authorised by the Authority in this behalf, may, whenever it in necessary so to do for any of the purposes of this Act, at all reasonable times, enter upon any land or premises and-- (a) make any inspection, survey, measurement, valuation or inquiry; (b) take levels; (c) dig or bore into sub-soil; (d) set out boundaries and intended lines of work; (e) mark such level boundaries and lines by placing marks and cutting trenches; or (f) do such other acts or things as may be prescribed: Provided that no such person shall enter any building or any enclosed court or garden attached to a dwelling-house (unless with the consent of the occupier thereof) without previously giving such occupier at least twenty-four hours' notice in writing of his intention to do so.

Delegation. 29. Delegation. The Authority may, by general or special order in writing, delegate to the Chairman or any other member or to any officer of the Authority, subject to such conditions and limitations, if any, as may be specified in the order such of its powers and functions under this Act (except the powers under section 35) as it may deem necessary. 1. Certain words omitted by Act 8 of 1994, s. 3. 469 30 Authentication of orders and other instruments of the Authority. 30. Authentication of orders and other instruments of the Authority. All orders and decisions of the Authority shall be authenticated by the signature of the Chairman or any other member authorised by the Authority in this behalf and all other instruments executed by the Authority shall be authenticated by the signature of an officer of the Authority authorised by the Authority in this behalf.

Members, officers and employees of the Authority to be publicservants. 31. Members, officers and employees of the Authority to be public servants. All members, officers and other employees of the Authority shall be deemed, when acting or purporting to act in pursuance of any of the provisions of this Act, to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).

Protection of action taken in good faith.

32. Protection of action taken in good faith. (1) No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie against the Government or any officer of the Government or any member, officer or employee of the Authority for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act or the rules or regulations made thereunder.

(2) No suit or other legal proceedings shall lie against the Authority for any damage caused or likely to be caused by anything in good faith done or purported to be done under this Act or the rules or regulations, and in particular, it shall not be the responsibility of the Authority to provide for relief measures necessitated by floods or by breaches and failures of works.

Power of Central Government to supersede the Authority.

33. Power of Central Government to supersede the Authority. (1) If, at any time, the Central Government is of opinion-- (a) that on account of a grave emergency, the Authority is unable to discharge the functions and duties imposed on it by or under the provisions of this Act; or (b) that the Authority has persistently made default in complying with any direction issued by the Central Government under this Act or in the discharge of the functions and duties imposed on it by or under the provisions of this Act and as a result of which default the financial position of the Authority or the administration of any national waterway has deteriorated; or (c) that circumstances exist which render it necessary in the public interest so to do, the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, supersede the Authority for such period, not exceeding six months, as may be specified in the notification: Provided that before issuing a notification under this sub- section for the reasons mentioned in clause (b), the Central Government shall give a reasonable opportunity to the Authority to show cause why it should not be superseded and shall consider the explanations and objection, if any, of the Authority. 470

(2) Upon the publication of a notification under sub-section (1) superseding the Authority,-- (a) all the members shall, as from the date of supersession, vacate their offices as such; (b) all the powers, functions and duties which may, by or under the provisions of this Act, be exercised or discharged by or on behalf of the Authority, shall, until the Authority is

reconstituted under sub-section (3), be exercised and discharged by such person or persons as the Central Government may direct; (c) all property owned or controlled by the Authority shall,

until the Authority is reconstituted under sub-section (3), vest in the Central Government.

(3) On the expiration of the period of supersession specified in

the notification issued under sub-section (1), the Central Government may-- (a) extend the period of supersession for such further term, not exceeding six months, as it may consider necessary; or (b) reconstitute the Authority by fresh appointment and in such case any persons who vacated their offices under clause (a)

of sub-section (2) shall not be deemed disqualified for appointment: Provided that the Central Government may, at any time before the expiration of the period of supersession, whether as originally

specified under sub-section (1) or as extended under this sub-section, take action under clause (b) of this sub-section.

(4) The Central Government shall cause a notification issued

under sub-section (1) and a full report of any action taken under this section and the circumstances leading to such action to be laid before such House of Parliament at the earliest opportunity.

Power to make rules.

34. Power to make rules. (1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules to carry out the purposes of this Act.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:-- (a) the term of office and other conditions of service of the members of the Authority under section 4; (b) the powers and duties of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman under section 5; (c) the matters with respect to the Advisory Committee

referred to in sub-section (1) of section 9; (d) the amount required to be prescribed under sub-section

(4) of section 14; (e) the form in which, and the time at which, the Authority shall prepare its budget under section 20 and its annual report under section 22; 471 (f) the manner in which the Authority may invest its funds under section 21; (g) the manner in which the accounts of the Authority shall be maintained and audited under section 23; (h) the conditions and restrictions with respect to exercise of the power to enter under section 28 and the matters referred to in clause (f) of that section; and (i) any other matter which is to be, or may be, prescribed or in respect of which provision is to be, or may be, made by rules.

Power to make regulations.

35. Power to make regulations. (1) The Authority may, with the previous approval of the Central Government, by notification in the Official Gazette, make regulations consistent with this Act and the rules generally to carry out the purposes of this Act.

(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such regulations may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:-- (a) the manner in which and the purposes for which, the Authority may associate with itself any person under sub-section

(4) of section 3; (b) the terms and conditions of service of the Secretary and other officers and employees of the Authority under sub-section

(2) of section 8; (c) the contracts or class of contracts which are to be sealed with the common seal of the Authority and the form and manner in which a contract may be made by the Authority; (d) the manner in which, and the conditions subject to which, any functions in relation to the matters referred to in

sub-sections (1) and (2) of section 14 may be performed; (e) the rule of the road on a national waterway; (f) the safe, efficient and convenient use, management and control of the infrastructures and infrastructural facilities; (g) the reception, porterage, storage and removal of goods brought on a national waterway, and the procedure to be followed for taking charge of goods which may have been damaged before landing, or may be alleged to have been so damaged; (h) regulating, declaring and defining the docks, wharfs, jetties, landing stages on which goods shall be landed from vessels and shipped on board vessels; (i) regulating the manner in which and the conditions under which the loading and unloading of vessels on a national waterway shall be carried out; and (j) the exclusion from a national waterway of disorderly or other undesirable persons and of trespassers. 472

(3) Any regulation made under any of the clauses (c) to (j) of

sub-section (2) may provide that a contravention thereof shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees and in the case of a continuing contravention with an additional fine which may extend to twenty rupees for every day during which such contravention continues after conviction for the first such contravention.

Rules and regulations to be laid before Parliament. 36. Rules and regulations to be laid before Parliament. Every rule and every regulation made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or regulation or both House agree that the rule or regulation should not be made, the rule or regulation shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule or regulation.

Power to remove difficulties.

37. Power to remove difficulties. (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Central Government may, by order, published in the Official Gazette, make such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act as may appear to be necessary for removing the difficulty: Provided that no order shall be made under this section after the expiry of five years from the commencement of this Act.

(2) Every order made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament.

Amendment of Act 49 of 1982. 38. Amendment of Act 49 of 1982. In the National Waterway (Allahabad-Haldia Stretch of the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly River) Act, 1982,-- (a) in section 3, for the words "Central Government", the word "Union" shall be substituted, and for the words "to the extent hereinafter provided", the words and figures "to the extent provided in the Inland Waterways Authority of India Act, 1985" shall be substituted; (b) sections 4 to 15 shall be omitted.