AUTHORITIES FAIL TO STOP RAMPANT SMUGGLING OF HERITAGE ITEMS IN CHANDIGARH

It has been 10 years so far, yet the Chandigarh Administration hasn’t been able to nab the smugglers of Chandigarh heritage Furniture items, the illicit process is rampant and is not stopping. These items of antique value have been selling in France and other parts of several countries at heavy prices. And surprisingly, all possible departments of the Central government got apprised with the matter before the bids took place yet the latter failed to stop the smuggling and bidding. On 22 July, the Archaeological Survey of India (Antiquity) department wrote Commissioner of Customs to stop the smuggling of Chandigarh Heritage Furniture items.

12 auctions that have been held in Luxemburg of Europe, USA, Milan of Italy, Paris by different groups. Heritage items namely, PIERRE JEANNERET (1896-1967) Take Down chairs, PIERRE JEANNERET (1896-1967) Easy chairs, Rare “Office Cane Chair” of an officer by Pierre JEANNERET (1896-1967) In teak, etc. have been sold for Euro 20,000 to USD 6250.

Archaeological Survey of India (Antiquity) wrote a letter to the Commissioner of Customs while mentioning 22 February released orders of MHA, stated, “It is to note that; in this regard, MHA had issued “Order” on 22 February 201I for prevention of Architectural Heritage of Chandigarh. It is further learned from the letter of principal Secretary, Home Chandigarh that the Chandigarh Police had filed an FIR in alleged smuggling of the heritage furniture and acquired certain items from Delhi Custom Office. It is further to mention that till these architectural items are declared as ‘Art Treasures’; ASI cannot take any action as these heritage items don’t come under the category of ‘Antiquity’ & ‘Art Treasure’. It is, therefore, requested to please prevent the export of heritage furniture of Chandigarh; given the “Order” issued by MHA. This information may kindly be circulated to all custom exit channels (Air/Sea).”

Ajay Jagga, Member, Heritage Protection cell of Chandigarh says, “I am extremely thankful to the ASI, for the order, dated 22-July, 2021, which has been passed on my representation dated 31-05-2021, in the interest of national heritage (UT heritage) and to prevent the illicit trafficking of Chandigarh heritage items so that none can take the heritage items of Chandigarh beyond the boundaries of India. The order issued, a copy of which has been sent to me, in this regard will be of great help, as presumably, no heritage item of Chandigarh can go outside the country. With this order, atleast, the illicit export of these items will come to an end, as all the ports whether AirPort or Sea Port customs departments have been instructed to restrict the exports, in terms of the earlier MHA order of 22 February 2011.”