15. Recovery of expenses.– The Central Government may direct that the expenses of any inquiry conducted by a committee constituted under section 12 shall be borne in whole or in part by the owner or agent of the mine concerned, and the amount so directed to be paid may, on application by the Chief Inspector or an Inspector or to a magistrate having jurisdiction at the place where the mine is situated or where such owner or agent is for the time being resident, be recovered by the distress and sale of any movable property within the limits of the magistrates jurisdiction belonging to such owner or agent. Provided that the owner or his agent has not paid the amount within six weeks from the date of receiving the notice from the Central Government or the Chief Inspector of Mines.
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