Section 26:
Purchase of antiquities by Central Government.
(1) If the Central Government
apprehends that any antiquity mentioned in a notification issued under sub-section (1) of section 25 is
in danger of being destroyed, removed, injured, misused or allowed to fall into decay or is of opinion
that, by reason of its historical or archaeological importance, it is desirable to preserve such antiquity
in a public place, the Central Government may make an order for the 1[compulsory acquisition of such
antiquity] and the Collector shall thereupon give notice to the owner of the antiquity 2[to be acquired].
(2) Where a notice of 3[compulsory acquisition] is issued under sub-section (1) in respect of any
antiquity, such antiquity shall vest in the Central Government with effect from the date of the notice.
(3) The power of 3[compulsory acquisition] given by this section shall not extend to any image or
symbol actually used for bona fide religious observances.
Notes:
1. Subs. by s. 33, ibid., for "compulsory purchase of such antiquity at its market value" (w.e.f. 5-4-1976).
2. Subs. by s. 33, ibid., for "to be purchased" (w.e.f. 5-4-1976).
3. Subs. by Act 52 of 1972, s. 33, for "compulsory purchase" (w.e.f. 5-4-1976).