Govt to make fresh pitch for getting Kohinoor back from UK
Kohinoor, meaning mountain of light, is a large, colourless diamond that was found in southern India in early 14th century.
Indian government will soon resume its efforts to bring back famed Kohinoor diamond from England, sources said.
This issue was discussed on Friday in a high-level meeting attended by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma.
The meeting lasted for an hour and issues relating to the 108-carat diamond, which is currently set in a crown on display in the Tower of London were discussed, sources said.
“The entire issue will be looked into from all aspects and efforts are being made to approach British government again,” said a source.
Sources further claimed that there could be a major breakthrough in bringing the Kohinoor back by August 15.
In April, the government had made a submission in the Supreme Court that the diamond was neither “forcibly taken nor stolen” by the British, but given as a “gift” to the East India Company by the rulers of Punjab.
Bringing back of the diamond faces legal and technical hurdles as it dates back to pre-Independence period and thus did not fall under the purview of Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972. The solicitor general will also give a “clear” stand on the issue in the Supreme Court.
However, after receiving flak for its stand, the government had said all efforts would be made to get back the diamond estimated to cost over USD 200 million.
Kohinoor, meaning mountain of light, is a large, colourless diamond that was found in southern India in early 14th century.
In May, Sharma had told Parliament that Ministry of External Affairs is exploring ways and means for obtaining a satisfactory resolution to this issue with the UK government.
The gem is the subject of a historic ownership dispute and has been claimed by at least four countries, including India.
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