SC asks Centre to clarify stand on bringing back Kohinoor

The Supreme Court on Friday asked the government to clarify its stand on a PIL, seeking return of Kohinoor diamond in the country.

A Bench, headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur, which did not issue notice on the PIL, asked the Solicitor General to seek instructions in the matter within a week. “Everybody is claiming the Kohinoor. How many countries are claiming Kohinoor? Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and even South Africa. Somebody here is also asking for the Kohinoor. Do you know about it,” the Bench asked the Solicitor General.

Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar said he was unaware about it and would need time to seek instructions and get back.

The Bench said there has been a press report attributing statements to the British Prime Minister quoting him as saying, “if we were to accept such demands, British Museums would be empty”.

“Why don’t you approach the government? Hasn’t the government taken up the matter? Government has done something. They have done whatever it could,” the Bench told the petitioner.

The court was hearing a PIL filed by All India Human Rights & Social Justice Front.