Vijay Mallya tops the bid for Gandhi's items at $2.1 million

06 March 2009

New York: Mahatma Gandhi's personal belongings put on auction by a collector have been picked up by Indian liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya for $2.1 million. Tony Bedi, Mallya's representative at the auction, said Mallya "bidded for the country."

Earlier, an attempt by the Indian government to block the sale of the memorabilia failed.

Though owner of the memorabilia, James Otis, agreed to withdraw them from the auction it transpires the auction house did not agree, arguing it could incur a big liability if the items were withdrawn as a large number of bidders had already registered for the auction.

Items on sale included iconic Gandhi items, including his round glasses, sandals, pocket watch, plate and a bowl.

The sale would remain in suspension for at least two weeks until the US Justice Department rules on a request by the Indian government that a injunction issued by the Delhi High Court against the auction of Gandhi's belongings be acted upon. Though allowing the sale to proceed, the Justice Department has notified Antiquorum Auctioneers that the items will not be transferred to the buyer and will be kept in an escrow account until it rules on the Indian request.   

The auction house made the position of the Justice Department clear to all bidders before the start of the bidding process.