Section 77

Any matter or thing removed by any authority in executing any work which he is entitled to execute under this Act shall except as otherwise provided be the property of the Government and may be sold by public auction or, if the authority thinks that the circumstances of the case require, may be sold otherwise or be disposed of without sale.

The moneys arising from the sale may be retained by the authority and applied in or towards the expenses incurred and the surplus, if any, shall be paid on demand to the owner of the matter or thing.

If the surplus is not claimed within two years, it shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund.

If any matters or things belonging to several persons are removed by the authority in executing any such work, the authority shall cause those matters or things, if sold, to be sold separately.[114