NEW DELHI — India has made a last-minute attempt to halt the sale of Mohandas Gandhi memorabilia set for today in New York, arguing that the items are part of the nation’s heritage. But auctioneers are moving ahead and say the controversy could result in record prices.
The items, owned by documentary filmmaker James Otis, include Gandhi’s 1910 Zenith pocket watch, eyeglasses, sandals and a brass bowl.
Tushar Gandhi, great-grandson of the Indian independence leader, has led the campaign to return the items to India and has tried to raise money to buy the collection. The Delhi High Court ordered a halt to the auction this week, although it’s not clear what jurisdiction it has over commercial activities in New York.
Otis, who bought the items from the Gandhi family or at earlier auctions, said he chose to sell them in part because he hoped publicity would inspire the Obama administration and others to pursue nonviolence.
