VADODARA:
Dissensions arising out of property dispute in Gaekwad family, the royal decedents of erstwhile Baroda state, are set to escalate further, due to a two-strand natural pearl necklace.
The necklace in question was once a part of a seven-strand natural pearl necklace in royal treasury.
Christie's, international auction house, has put into process provisions for auctioning of the natural pearl necklace, on April 25 to raise $7 million-$9 million.
But the auction if carried out may violate a Supreme Court order as the necklace is a disputed property and cannot be auctioned, lawyers said.
Brothers Ranjitsinh Gaekwad and Sangramsinh Gaekwad are fighting a legal battle for control of movable and immovable property of the family that is valued at crores of rupees.
Kailesh Jethmalani, Sangramsinh's lawyer claims that the necklace is disputed property and Supreme Court has ordered a status quo on it.
He says the auction would amount to violation of Antiques Act and the issue would be taken up with Christie's.
marketing@alchempro.com
