It shall be unlawful for any corporation, joint stock company, limited copartnership, partnership or other person, now or hereafter engaged in the business of carrying or transporting natural gas for hire or compensation or otherwise, within the limits of this act and not becoming a common purchaser as defined by, and accepting the provisions of this act, to own or operate, directly or indirectly any gas well or wells, gas leases, or gas holdings or interests in this state, after six (6) months next after the approval of this act, and each and every of said corporations, joint stock company, limited co-partnership, partnership or other persons shall divest themselves of all legal or equitable ownership, interest or control, directly or indirectly, in gas well or wells, gas leases or gas holdings or interest in this state.
Added by Laws 1913, c. 99, p. 169, § 5, emerg. eff. March 26, 1913.