Can't pass an order on reclaiming Kohinoor: India SC

Disposing of a petition seeking direction to the United Kingdom to return the Kohinoor, Indian Supreme Court today made it clear that it could neither pass an order for reclaiming the 108-carat diamond nor stop its present owner from auctioning it.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India JS Khehar said it could not ask a foreign government not to auction a property, reports NDTV.

"We are quite surprised that such petitions are filed for properties which are in the USA and the UK. What kind of a writ petition is this," the bench comprising Justices DY Chandrachud and SK Kaul said.

READ MORE: India says Kohinoor belongs to Britain

The petition was filed by All India Human Rights and Social Justice Front and Heritage Bengal.

The apex court said the government of India "continues to explore ways and means with the UK government on the issue" and it was "satisfied with the government's response that it was making efforts to get the diamond back".

READ ALSO: The Kohinoor story

Kohinoor, which means mountain of light, is a large, colourless diamond that was found in southern India in early 14th century.

Successive British governments have made their stand clear on the issue.

"If you say yes to one (request) you suddenly find the British Museum would be empty," former Prime Minister David Cameron had said in an interview to NDTV. "I'm afraid it's going to have to stay put."