Chandigarh, June 24, 2026:The Chandigarh Administration has sought urgent intervention from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, to stop the proposed auction of heritage furniture associated with Chandigarh scheduled to be held in Paris, France, on June 25, 2026, and to facilitate the recovery and repatriation of the items to India.

In a communication addressed to the Joint Secretary (UNES), Ministry of External Affairs, the Secretary Culture, Chandigarh Administration, highlighted serious concerns regarding the provenance of two furniture items proposed for auction. The items reportedly bear inventory markings “PU Chem/55” and “PGI/W/CH-020”, indicating their association with Panjab University and PGIMER, Chandigarh respectively. These markings suggest that the furniture may have been removed from their lawful custodians and transported abroad without authorization.

The Administration emphasized that the furniture forms an integral part of Chandigarh’s unique modernist heritage and the original vision of Le Corbusier and his collaborators. As 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”, the preservation of such original furniture is a matter of national and international cultural significance.

The letter notes that the appearance of such heritage furniture in an overseas auction market raises concerns of possible theft, illegal removal, unauthorized disposal and unlawful export of heritage property. The proposed auction could result in the permanent loss of assets intrinsically linked to Chandigarh’s historic identity and India’s cultural legacy.

In view of the seriousness of the matter, Chandigarh Police has registered two FIRs on June 23, 2026, under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and initiated investigations into the suspected theft, illegal removal, export, sale and trafficking of the concerned heritage furniture.

The Chandigarh Administration has requested the Ministry of External Affairs to take up the matter on priority with the Embassy of India in France and the concerned French authorities. The Administration has sought immediate suspension or postponement of the auction, preservation of the furniture pending investigation, verification of ownership and provenance records, assistance in recovery and repatriation of the items, and measures to prevent any further sale or export of Chandigarh heritage furniture through unauthorized channels.

The Administration reiterated its commitment to safeguarding India’s cultural and architectural heritage and stated that all necessary records, inventories, documentation and technical assistance would be provided to support efforts aimed at securing the return of the heritage assets.