The excavation of ancient relics during the colonialist period is a sensitive issue for many ‘source states’. Often, the international law framework places obligations on states to protect a state’s right to reclaim artefacts of cultural or religious significance to its people. But treaties do not usually enable private parties to be sued as they bind only states – and where they can be used, lack the teeth to bite.
Today, Sameer Jain and I comment in The Guardian article by David Batty on the legal implications of India’s plan to thwart Sotheby’s intended sale of the Piprahwa Gems.
