HERITAGE AUCTIONED IN FRANCE on 15 March, 2018; loot by foreigners continue

Advance intimation of an auction of Chandigarh Heritage Furniture

March 22, 2018

Public activist Ajay Jagga of Chandigarh had written an advance intimation to the Union Minister for External Affairs of an auction of Chandigarh Heritage Furniture

Public activist Ajay Jagga of Chandigarh had written to the Union Minister for External Affairs, Smt. Sushma Swaraj to stop the auction of Chandigarh Heritage Furniture hoping some action will be taken to save our heritage and prestige.

Previously, the activist had intimated the ministry of culture on theft and auction of Chandigarh Heritage artefacts in Oak Park, IL, USA.

27 February 2018

Smt. Sushma Swaraj,
Union Minister for External Affairs
Government of India

Subject: Advance intimation of an auction of Chandigarh Heritage Furniture, in FRANCE On March 15, 2018, for stalling the auction of heritage items.

Ma’am,
Two lots Chandigarh Heritage Furniture, sourced from Chandigarh, are being auctioned in PARIS, in FRANCE by an auction namely PIASA. The Govt of India can convey its concerns to the auction, through Indian Embassy or other diplomatic channels. I am moving this representation to request you to seek a stay on this auction or raise the issue because Article 51-A of the Constitution of India, has cast upon a duty on citizen to “(f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;” and (i) to safeguard public property and to abjure violence; as provided under article 51 of the Constitution of India.

Further, the Constitution of India has cast a duty upon the State/UT under the article for protection of such items under article 49 i.e. 49. It shall be the obligation of the State to protect every monument or place or object of artistic or historic interest, 2[declared by or under law made by Parliament] to be of national importance, from spoliation, disfigurement, destruction, removal, disposal or export, as the case may be.

It is almost clear now that unless Government of India intervenes the smuggling of our heritage will continue and the foreigners (as ever) will continue looting us, of what we have now. The list is given below.

Item No : 1	Lot 40:Pierre Jeanneret (1896-1967), dit Le Corbusier Set/pair of Chairs
	Estimated Price : EUROS 10000-15000
Item No: 2	Lot 112:Pierre Jeanneret (1896-1967)Easy Chair
	Estimated price :EUROS 4000-6000