Centre to SC: Will explore ways to bring back Kohinoor

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that it will explore ways and means to bring back the Kohinoor diamond, wihc is currently with the United Kingdom.

The Centre made this statement in response to a public interest writ petition filed in the apex court, seeking a direction to the Union government to get the Kohinoor back, amid fears that the precious stone could be sold in auction.

The Centre’s latest stand is in contrast with the earlier submission made by solicitor general Ranjit Kumar in the court that it would not be possible to bring the diamond back.

Since the Kohinoor was taken away much before the Unesco convention — under which export or transfer of antiquities are prohibited — came into force, there is no binding legal basis in international law in this case. The only recourse is to explore the possibility bringing the diamond back through diplomatic efforts.

On the petitioner’s concern that there are attempts to sell the Kohinoor through auction, the Centre said it had no official information regarding attempts to sell the diamond.

The government is mindful of the sentiments that have been expressed by the Indian public and Parliament from time to time about the return of Kohinoor diamond and other items of India and it will explore all ways to get back the diamond, the affidavit said.