19Purchase of sculptures, carvings or like objects by the Government.

(1) If ¹[the CentralGovernmen] 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 CentralGovernment] may pass orders for the compulsory purchase of such object at its market-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.