
Kohinoor our property, govt tells Supreme Court
The Centre on Tuesday reversed its stand on the 105-carat Kohinoor diamond saying it was taken away by the British from Maharaja Duleep Singh. It told the Supreme Court that the priced gem was India’s property and it wasn’t gifted to Queen Victoria.
The Centre said it was “mindful of the Indian public sentiment attached with the gem.” With no legal options available, the government said it will “explore ways and means” to negotiate with the British government to get the jewel that adorns the British crown.
The government submitted this in the apex court in reply to a case filed by an organisation, seeking directions to the British India high commissioner for returning the diamond among other treasures like belonging of Tipu Sultan, Bahadur Shah Zafar and Rani of Jhansi.
On the last hearing solicitor general Ranjit Kumar had made a statement before a bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur that Kohinoor cannot be categorised as an object stolen but gifted as compensation. “If we lay claim to the gem then tomorrow other countries will start demanding the treasure we have,” Kumar had said. But the court was not convinced with the argument and asked him to file a written response.
Now the government has taken a stand that the gem belongs to India but, added, it cannot proceed legally against Britain. Although the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 provides for compulsory acquisition of antiquities and art treasures, the government said it cannot invoke the law because it cannot be implemented retrospectively.
Similarly both India and UK are signatories to the UNESCO convention that prevents museums from acquiring cultural property belonging to another national or that has been illegally imported.
Article 7 of the convention allows a country to take appropriate steps to recover and return such a property. But, government said, in Kohinoor’s case India cannot raise the issue in the international court because the incident pre-dates the force of convention.
Britain has on several occasions opposed returning of the diamond to India. Former Prime Minister David Cameron had in 2010 told a TV channel that Kohinoor would stay put in the British museum.

US debt soars to $29 trillion, owes India $216 billion

What happens in marathon multi-phase polls? A look at scenarios

Delhi HC asks Animal Welfare Board to sort out row over feeding of stray dogs

2 days to go for Covid-19 vaccination Phase 2. Check eligibility, cost and more

As Covid-19 surges, Gujarat extends night curfew in 4 major cities by 15 days

141 farmers died by suicide in last 10 months, says Chhattigarh government
- The government's statement came in response to a question by the leader of opposition in the assembly about the number of farmers who died by suicide.

In push to make India a toy manufacturing hub, PM Modi’s advice on plastic use

PM Modi pushes for 'vocal for local' mantra as he inaugurates India toy fair
- "Our relation with toys is as old as the civilisation itself. and our temples stand testimony to the rich culture of toymaking in India," he also said, adding, "Our temples stand testimony to the rich culture of toymaking in India."

Odisha court orders attachment and auction of properties of chit fund firm

India reports 16,488 Covid-19 cases, 113 deaths; tally over 11.07 million

Imran Khan says onus on India for progress after LoC ceasefire agreement

New variants, negligence among reasons for fresh Covid-19 spread, say experts

Covid-19 surge in Maharashtra, Kerala: How each state fared in last 5 days

Covid-19 guidelines extended till March 31, states told to maintain caution

News updates from HT: After Khashoggi report, US sanctions against 76 Saudis
- Here are today’s top news, analysis, and opinion. Know all about the latest news and other news updates from Hindustan Times.