The Bengal Irrigation Act, 1876

{
    "id": 15671,
    "slug": "the-bengal-irrigation-act-1876",
    "title": "The Bengal Irrigation Act, 1876",
    "short_title": "The Bengal Irrigation Act, 1876",
    "act_number": "(Bengal Act 3 of 1876)",
    "act_year": 1876,
    "act_type": "STATE",
    "location": "Bihar",
    "law_status": "unknown",
    "enactment_date": null,
    "description": "The Bengal Irrigation Act, 1876",
    "preamble": "",
    "section_label": "Section",
    "sections": [
        {
            "number": "1",
            "title": "1. Short title.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 0
        },
        {
            "number": "2",
            "title": "2. Local extent, Commencement.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 1
        },
        {
            "number": "3",
            "title": "3. Interpretation clause.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(1) \"canal\" includes -\n(a) all canals, channels and reservoirs hitherto constructed, maintained or controlled by Government for the supply or storage of water, or which may hereafter be so constructed, maintained or controlled;\n(b) all works, embankments, structures, supply and escape-channels connected with such canals, channels, or reservoirs;\n(c) all village-channels as defined in clause (2) of this Section;\n(d) all drainage-works as defined in clause (3) of this Section;\n(e) any part of a river, stream, lake, natural collection of water or natural drainage-channel to which the [State] Government has applied the provisions of Part II of this Act, or of which the water has been applied or used before the passing of this Act for the purpose of any existing canal;\n(f) all lands on the banks of any canal as defined in articles (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this clause, which have been acquired by Government;\n(2) \"village channel\" means any channel by which water is led from a canal directly into the fields to be irrigated, and includes all subsidiary works connected with any such channel, except the sluice, or outlet through which water is supplied from a canal to such channel;\n(3) \"drainage-work\" means any work in connection with a system of irrigation which has been or may hereafter be made or improved by the Government for the purposes of the drainage of the country, whether under the provisions of Part IV of this Act or otherwise, and includes escape-channels from a canal, dams, weirs, embankments, sluices, groins and other works connected therewith, but does not include works for the removal of sewage from towns:\n(4) \"flood-embankment\" means any embankment constructed or maintained by the [servants of the [Government] ] in connection with any system of irrigation-works for the protection of lands from inundation, or which may be declared by the [State] Government to be maintained in connection with any such system; and includes all groins, spurs, dams and other protective works connected with such embankments:\n(5) \"Collector\" means the head revenue-officer of a district and includes any officer appointed by the [State] Government to exercise all or any of the powers of a Collector under this Act;\n(6) \"Court\" means [* * *] a principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction;\n(7) \"canal-officer\" means an officer appointed under this Act to exercise control or jurisdiction over a canal or any part thereof; and includes every officer to whom any of the functions of a canal-officer under this Act have been assigned by the [State] Government,\n(8) \"Section\" means a Section of this Act,\n(9) \"owner\" includes every person having a joint interest in the ownership of the thing specified; and all rights and obligations which attach to an owner under the provisions of this Act shall attach jointly and severally to every person having such joint interest in the ownership.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": true,
            "sort_order": 2
        },
        {
            "number": "4",
            "title": "4. Exemption from Bengal Embankment Act.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 3
        },
        {
            "number": "5",
            "title": "5. Power to appoint officers.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Part II\nOf The Application of Water For Public Purposes",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 4
        },
        {
            "number": "6",
            "title": "6. Notification when water-supply to be applied for public purposes.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 5
        },
        {
            "number": "7",
            "title": "7. Powers of canal officer.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 6
        },
        {
            "number": "8",
            "title": "8. Notice as to claims for compensation.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 7
        },
        {
            "number": "9",
            "title": "9. Contents of notice.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Notice to occupiers.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 8
        },
        {
            "number": "10",
            "title": "10. Power to require statements as to name and interests.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Penalty for failure to comply.\nPerson required to make statements legally bound to do so.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 9
        },
        {
            "number": "11",
            "title": "11. Damage for which compensation shall not be awarded.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(a) stoppage or diminution or percolation or floods;\n(b) deterioration of climate or soil;\n(c) stoppage of navigation, or of the means of rafting timber or watering cattle.\nMatters in respect of which compensation may be awarded.\n(d) stoppage or diminution of supply of water through any natural channel to any defined artificial channel, whether above or underground, in use at the date of the issue of the Notification under Section six;\n(e) stoppage or diminution of supply of water to any work erected for purposes of profit on any channel, whether natural or artificial, in use at the date of the said notification;\n(f) stoppage or diminution of supply of water through any natural channel which has been used for purposes of irrigation within the five years next before the date of the said notification;\n(g) damage done in respect of any right to a water-course or the use of any water to which any person is entitled under the [Indian Limitation Act, 1871, Part IV;]\n(h) any other substantial damage, not falling under any of the above clauses (a), (b) or (c), and caused by the exercise of the powers conferred by this Act, which is capable of being ascertained and estimated at the time of awarding such compensation.\nCompensation for loss of tolls lawfully levied.\nDiminution in market-value to be considered.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 10
        },
        {
            "number": "12",
            "title": "12. Compensation for loss of drinking-water.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 11
        },
        {
            "number": "13",
            "title": "13. Limitation of claims.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 12
        },
        {
            "number": "14",
            "title": "14. Inquiry into claim and tender of compensation.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 13
        },
        {
            "number": "15",
            "title": "15. Postponement of inquiry.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 14
        },
        {
            "number": "16",
            "title": "16. Award in case of compensation being agreed on.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Award to be filed and to be evidence.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 15
        },
        {
            "number": "17",
            "title": "17. Collector to refer matter to Court when compensation not accepted.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 16
        },
        {
            "number": "18",
            "title": "18. Collector to record particulars in certain cases.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(a) the nature and extent of the property of which the value has been diminished and in respect of which compensation is claimed, and the character and extent of the damage done;\n(b) the names of the persons whom he has reason to think interested in such property;\n(c) the amount fixed by him as compensation; and\n(d) the grounds on which such amount was determined.\nAnd to place amount of compensation in deposit.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 17
        },
        {
            "number": "19",
            "title": "19. Objections to amount of compensation fixed by Collector.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 18
        },
        {
            "number": "20",
            "title": "20. Procedure in making reference.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 19
        },
        {
            "number": "21",
            "title": "21. Procedure on receipt of reference under Section seventeen.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 20
        },
        {
            "number": "22",
            "title": "22. Particulars of apportionment to be specified.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 21
        },
        {
            "number": "23",
            "title": "23. Disputes as to apportionment.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 22
        },
        {
            "number": "24",
            "title": "24. Determination of proportions.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Appeal.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 23
        },
        {
            "number": "25",
            "title": "25. Payment of compensation.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 24
        },
        {
            "number": "26",
            "title": "26. Government not liable to further claim.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 25
        },
        {
            "number": "27",
            "title": "27. Liability of person receiving compensation not affected.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 26
        },
        {
            "number": "28",
            "title": "28. Abatement of rent on interruption of water-supply.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 27
        },
        {
            "number": "29",
            "title": "29. Enhancement of rent on restoration of water-supply.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 28
        },
        {
            "number": "30",
            "title": "30. Compensation when due-Interest.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Collector may invest amount deposited or awarded in Government securities.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 29
        },
        {
            "number": "31",
            "title": "31. No compensation in respect of prior works.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 30
        },
        {
            "number": "32",
            "title": "32. Service of notice.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Part III\nOf The Maintenance of Canals",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 31
        },
        {
            "number": "33",
            "title": "33. Entry for inquiry.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 32
        },
        {
            "number": "34",
            "title": "34. Power to inspect and regulate water-supply.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 33
        },
        {
            "number": "35",
            "title": "35. Power to enter for repairs and to prevent accidents.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 34
        },
        {
            "number": "36",
            "title": "36. Notice to occupier of building, etc.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 35
        },
        {
            "number": "37",
            "title": "37. Compensation for damage to land.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 36
        },
        {
            "number": "38",
            "title": "38. Appeal from Collector's decision to Commissioner.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 37
        },
        {
            "number": "39",
            "title": "39. Government to provide means of crossing canals and of drainage.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Part IV\n[Of Drainage]",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 38
        },
        {
            "number": "40",
            "title": "40. State Government may prohibit formation of obstructions within certain limits.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 39
        },
        {
            "number": "41",
            "title": "41. Canal-officer may issue notice to person causing obstructions.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 40
        },
        {
            "number": "42",
            "title": "42. Canal-officer may cause obstructions to be removed.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 41
        },
        {
            "number": "43",
            "title": "43. When drainage-works necessary, State Government may order scheme to be drawn up and carried out.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 42
        },
        {
            "number": "44",
            "title": "44. Disposal of claims to compensation.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 43
        },
        {
            "number": "45",
            "title": "45. Limitation of such claims.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Part V\nOf Village-Channels\n46. \"Person\" defined.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 44
        },
        {
            "number": "47",
            "title": "47. Register of village-channels to be kept.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 45
        },
        {
            "number": "48",
            "title": "48. Person may acquire village-channel by agreement.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(a) by taking over any village-channel belonging to the [Government] ;\n(b) by transfer of a village-channel from the owner thereof by private agreement.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 46
        },
        {
            "number": "49",
            "title": "49. Construction of new village-channel.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 47
        },
        {
            "number": "50",
            "title": "50. Application by person desiring construction of new village-channel.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 48
        },
        {
            "number": "51",
            "title": "51. Procedure when canal-officer considers construction of village-channel expedient.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Notice to person wishing to be joint owner.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 49
        },
        {
            "number": "52",
            "title": "52. Collector to acquire land.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 50
        },
        {
            "number": "53",
            "title": "53. Procedure after construction of village-channel.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 51
        },
        {
            "number": "54",
            "title": "54. Canal-officer may direct transfer of village-channel.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 52
        },
        {
            "number": "55",
            "title": "55. Person may be admitted joint owner of existing village-channel.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 53
        },
        {
            "number": "56",
            "title": "56. Canal-officer to fix sums payable on transfer or acquisition of joint ownership.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 54
        },
        {
            "number": "57",
            "title": "57. Canal-officer may fix rent for a village-channel transferred.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 55
        },
        {
            "number": "58",
            "title": "58. Owner of village channel.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(a) acquiring a village-channel as provided in Section forty-eight ; or\n(b) constructing a village-channel as provided in Section forty-nine ; or\n(c) receiving possession of a village-channel as provided in Section fifty-three ; or\n(d) acquiring a village-channel by transfer as provided in Section fifty-four ; or\n(e) being admitted to registration as joint owner in a village-channel as provided in Section fifty-five ;",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 56
        },
        {
            "number": "59",
            "title": "59. Obligations and rights of owner of village-channel.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(a) to construct and maintain all works necessary for the passage across such village-channel of canals, village-channels, drainage-channels and public roads existing at the time of its construction, and of the drainage intercepted by it, and for affording proper communications across it for the convenience of the occupants of neighbouring lands;\n(b) to maintain such village-channel in a fit state of repair for the conveyance of water;\n(c) to allow the use of it to others on such terms as may be declared equitable by the canal-officer as hereinafter prescribed;\n(d) to have a supply of water of such village-channel at rates and on such terms as are prescribed by the Rules made by the [State] Government under Section ninety-nine ;\n(e) to receive such rent for the use of village-channel by other persons as the canal-officer may award him.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 57
        },
        {
            "number": "60",
            "title": "60. If owner of village-channel fails to execute work or repair, canal-officer may do so.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 58
        },
        {
            "number": "61",
            "title": "61. Resignation of ownership.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 59
        },
        {
            "number": "62",
            "title": "62. Owner may transfer interest.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 60
        },
        {
            "number": "63",
            "title": "63. Procedure on death of owner of village-channel.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 61
        },
        {
            "number": "64",
            "title": "64. Procedure when person applies for registration in lieu of deceased owner.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 62
        },
        {
            "number": "65",
            "title": "65. Interest of owners equal, unless unequal interests registered.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 63
        },
        {
            "number": "66",
            "title": "66. Supply of water to person not owner.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 64
        },
        {
            "number": "67",
            "title": "67. Canal-officer may authorize supply.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 65
        },
        {
            "number": "68",
            "title": "68. Canal-officer to fix rent of village-channel.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 66
        },
        {
            "number": "69",
            "title": "69. Owner of village-channel receiving supply through another village-channel.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 67
        },
        {
            "number": "70",
            "title": "70. Instalments in which rent is payable.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 68
        },
        {
            "number": "71",
            "title": "71. Canal-officer to pay not more than amount collected.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 69
        },
        {
            "number": "72",
            "title": "72. Land acquired not to be used for other purpose.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 70
        },
        {
            "number": "73",
            "title": "73. Dues how recovered.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Part VI\nOf The Supply of Water\n[74. Application for supply of water.\n[75. Permission to be recorded in writing.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 71
        },
        {
            "number": "75A",
            "title": "75A. Liability to water-rates of certain non-applicants.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 72
        },
        {
            "number": "76",
            "title": "76. Rules subject to conditions as to.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Power to stop water-supply.\n(1) Whenever and so long as it is necessary to stop such supply, for the purpose of executing any work ordered by competent authority;\n(2) whenever and so long as any village-channel is not maintained in such repair as to prevent the wasteful escape of water therefrom;\n(3) whenever and so long as it is necessary to do so in rotation to supply the legitimate demands of other persons entitled to water;\n(4) whenever and so long as it may be necessary to stop the supply in order to prevent the wastage or misuse of water.\nClaims to compensation in case of failure or stoppage of supply.\nClaims on account of interruption from other causes.\nDuration of supply.\nSale or sub-letting of right to use canal-water, contracts for water transferable with land.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 73
        },
        {
            "number": "77",
            "title": "77. Canal-officer may supply water for purposes other than those of irrigation.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Part VII\nOf Water-Rates",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 74
        },
        {
            "number": "78",
            "title": "78. Charge for water, how determined.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "[79. Liability of occupiers of lands benefiting from unauthorized use of water.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 75
        },
        {
            "number": "80",
            "title": "80. Liability when water runs to waste.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 76
        },
        {
            "number": "81",
            "title": "81. Charges recoverable in addition to penalties.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 77
        },
        {
            "number": "82",
            "title": "82. Power to contract for collection of canal-dues.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 78
        },
        {
            "number": "83",
            "title": "83. Sums payable under this Part deemed to be rent.",
            "chapter": "Part deemed",
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 79
        },
        {
            "number": "84",
            "title": "84. Person who distrains may be called on to produce account.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 80
        },
        {
            "number": "85",
            "title": "85. Arrears of water-rate deemed to be demands.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 81
        },
        {
            "number": "86",
            "title": "86. Sections not applying to fines.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Part VIII\nOf Jurisdiction",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 82
        },
        {
            "number": "87",
            "title": "87. Settlement of disputes as to mutual rights and liabilities of persons interested in village-channel.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 83
        },
        {
            "number": "88",
            "title": "88. Dispute as to shares and payments.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 84
        },
        {
            "number": "89",
            "title": "89. Order passed by Collector and canal-officer to remain in force until set aside by Civil Court.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 85
        },
        {
            "number": "90",
            "title": "90. Jurisdiction as to suits arising out of powers of distraint.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 86
        },
        {
            "number": "91",
            "title": "91. Appeal and supervision.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 87
        },
        {
            "number": "92",
            "title": "92. Power to summon and examine witnesses.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Part IX\nOf Offences and Penalties",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 88
        },
        {
            "number": "93",
            "title": "93. Offences under Act.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(1) Damages, alters, enlarges or obstructs any canal or drainage-work;\n(2) interferes with, increases or diminishes the supply of water in, or the flow of water from, through, over or under, any canal or drainage-work, or by any means raises or lowers the level of the water in any canal or drainage-work;\n(3) being responsible for the maintenance of a village-channel, or using a village-channel, neglects to take proper precautions for the prevention of waste of the water thereof, or interferes with the authorized distribution of the water therefrom, or uses such water in an unauthorized manner; [or refuses to allow the use of the channel to others as directed in clause (c) of Section 59;]\n(4) corrupts or fouls the water of any canal so as to render it less fit for the purposes for which it is ordinarily used;\n(5) destroys, defaces or moves any level-mark or water-gauge fixed by the authority of a public servant;\n(6) destroys or removes any apparatus, or part of any apparatus, for controlling or regulating the flow of water in any canal or drainage-work;\n(7) passes, or causes animals or vehicles to pass, in or across any of the works, banks or channels of a canal contrary to Rules made under this Act after he has been desired to desist therefrom;\n(8) without the permission of the canal-officer causes, or knowingly and wilfully permits, any cattle to graze upon any [canal embankments or] flood-embankments, or tethers or cause or knowingly and wilfully permits any cattle to be tethered upon any such embankments, or roots up any grass or other vegetation growing on any such embankments, or removes, cuts or in any way injures or causes to be removed, cut or otherwise injured, any trees, bushes, grass or hedge intended for the protection of such embankment;\n(9) violates any Rule made under the Act, for breach whereof a penalty may be incurred.\nPenalty.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 89
        },
        {
            "number": "94",
            "title": "94. Further offences.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(1) Pierces or cuts through, or attempts to pierce or cut through, or otherwise to damage, destroy or endanger the stability of any flood-embankment;\n(2) open, shuts or obstructs, or attempts to open, shut or obstruct, any sluice in any such embankment;\n(3) makes any dam or other obstruction for the purpose of diverting or opposing the current of a river on the banks whereof are flood-embankments, or refuses or neglects to remove any such dam or obstruction when so required by the canal-officer.\nPenalty.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 90
        },
        {
            "number": "95",
            "title": "95. Obstruction to be removed and damage repaired.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 91
        },
        {
            "number": "96",
            "title": "96. Persons employed on canal may take offenders into custody.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(1) Wilfully damages or obstructs any canal;\n(2) Without proper authority interferes with the supply or flow of water in or from any canal or in any river or stream, so as to make dangerous or render less useful any canal.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 92
        },
        {
            "number": "97",
            "title": "97. Saving of prosecution under other laws.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 93
        },
        {
            "number": "98",
            "title": "98. Compensation to person injured.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Part X\nOf Subsidiary Rules",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 94
        },
        {
            "number": "99",
            "title": "99. Power to make, alter and cancel Rules.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(a) the proceedings of any officer who, under any provision of this Act, is required or empowered to take action in any matter;\n(b) the cases in which, the officers to whom, and the conditions subject to which, orders and decisions given under any provision of this Act, and not expressly provided for as regards appeal, shall be appealable;\n(c) the person by whom, the time, place or manner at or in which, anything for the doing of which provision is made in this Act shall be done;\n(d) the amount of any charge made under this Act;\n(e) and generally to carry out the provisions of this Act.\nPublication of Rules.\nSchedule A\n(Repeal of Bengal Acts 8 of 1867 and 6 of 1869.) [Repealed by the Amending Act, 1903 (1 of 1903).]\nSchedule B\n[Repealed by the Bihar and Orissa Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 1918 (B. and O. Act 3 of 1918), Section 5.]\nSchedule C\n[Repealed by the Bihar and Orissa Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 1918 (B. and O. Act 3 of 1918), Section 5.]",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 95
        }
    ],
    "metadata": {
        "Act ID": "bh364",
        "Act Number": "(Bengal Act 3 of 1876)",
        "Enactment Date": "",
        "Act Year": "1876",
        "Short Title": "The Bengal Irrigation Act, 1876",
        "Type": "STATE",
        "Location": "Bihar"
    },
    "updated_at": "2026-09-29 21:55:19"
}