 "Faced with backlash, govt lays claim to Kohinoor")
The government on Tuesday asserted that it would make all possible efforts to bring back the Kohinoor diamond in an amicable manner, after Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar's submission in the Supreme Court that the diamond was gifted to the British government evoked sharp criticism.
Clarifying the position, the government said Kumar was asked to seek the views of the government, which have not yet been conveyed.
The solicitor general informed the court about the history of the diamond and gave an oral statement on the basis of existing references made available by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), official sources said.
The Government of India has not yet conveyed its views to the court, contrary to what is being "misrepresented" in the media, sources said.
The Court granted six weeks time on the prayer of the solicitor general to take instructions for making his submission in the matter.
Kumar had earlier told the court that the Kohinoor 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. This drew flak from various quarters as this was seen as the government's stand on the issue.
Clarifying the position, the government said Kumar was asked to seek the views of the government, which have not yet been conveyed.
The solicitor general informed the court about the history of the diamond and gave an oral statement on the basis of existing references made available by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), official sources said.
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Sources said Kumar had referenced to the stand taken by earlier governments that the Kohinoor was a gift and could not be categorised as a stolen. object. They even cited Jawaharlal Nehru as making statements to that effect.
The Government of India has not yet conveyed its views to the court, contrary to what is being "misrepresented" in the media, sources said.
The Court granted six weeks time on the prayer of the solicitor general to take instructions for making his submission in the matter.
Kumar had earlier told the court that the Kohinoor 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. This drew flak from various quarters as this was seen as the government's stand on the issue.