The Chandigarh Administration has requested the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to urgently intervene and halt the proposed auction of heritage furniture linked to Chandigarh, scheduled for June 25, 2026, in Paris. The administration seeks the recovery and repatriation of these items to India.
Provenance Concerns and Inventory Markings
In a letter to the Joint Secretary (UNES) at the MEA, the Secretary of Culture for the Chandigarh Administration expressed serious concerns about the provenance of two furniture items listed in the auction. The items bear inventory markings “PU Chem/55” and “PGI/W/CH-020”, indicating their association with Panjab University and the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, respectively. These markings suggest the furniture may have been removed from its lawful custodians and transported abroad without authorization.
Cultural Significance and UNESCO Status
The administration emphasized that the furniture is an integral part of Chandigarh’s unique modernist heritage, reflecting the original vision of architect Le Corbusier and his collaborators. Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of “The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier – An Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement.” Therefore, preserving such original furniture is a matter of both national and international cultural significance.
Potential Theft and Illegal Export
The letter warned that the appearance of the furniture in an overseas auction raises concerns about possible theft, illegal removal, unauthorized disposal, and unlawful export of heritage property. It cautioned that the proposed auction could result in the permanent loss of assets intrinsically linked to Chandigarh’s historic identity and India’s cultural legacy.
Police Action and Investigation
Given the seriousness of the matter, the Chandigarh Police registered two First Information Reports (FIRs) on June 23, 2026, under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Investigations have been launched into the suspected theft, illegal removal, export, sale, and trafficking of the heritage furniture.
MEA and French Authorities Requested to Act
The Chandigarh Administration has requested the MEA to take up the matter on priority with the Embassy of India in France and the relevant French authorities. Specific demands include: immediate suspension or postponement of the auction, preservation of the furniture pending investigation, verification of ownership and provenance records, assistance in the recovery and repatriation of the items, and measures to prevent any further sale or export of Chandigarh heritage furniture through unauthorized channels.
Commitment to Safeguarding Heritage
The administration reiterated its commitment to safeguarding India’s cultural and architectural heritage. It stated that all necessary records, inventories, documentation, and technical assistance would be made available to support efforts to secure the return of the heritage assets.
