19. Purchase of sculptures, carvings or like objects by theGovernment.

(1)If1[the Central

Government] apprehends that any object mentioned in a notification issued under section 18,sub-section(1), is in danger of being destroyed, removed, injured or allowed to fall into decay,1[the Central Government] may pass orders for the compulsory purchase of such object at itsmarket-value,and the Collector shall thereupon give notice to the owner of the object to be purchased.

(2) The power of compulsory purchase given by this section shall not extend to

(a) any image or symbol actually used for the purpose of any religious observance; or

(b) anything which the owner desires to retain on any reasonable ground personal to himself or to any of his ancestors or to any member of his family.