Rediff

Washington, Mar 14: US-based collector James Otis, owner of Mahatma Gandhi [Images] five items that were auctioned off by the Antiquorum Auctioneers for $1.8 million, said he will file a case in the New York State Supreme Court in an effort get the items back.

Talking to PTI on Friday, Otis said his lawyers are finalising the details. He did not say on what grounds he would be seeking the items back.

Mahatma Gandhi's iconic round eye glasses and other personal belongings -- pocket watch, sandals, glasses, bowl and plate were bought by Indian liquor baron Vijay Mallya recently in an auction in New York.

The items were purchased by Mallya after the auctioneers refused to take them off the auction despite request by Otis. But the Antiquorum said he would hold the items for two weeks because of notice by US Justice Department following Delhi High Court order staying the auction.

Asked whether he would donate the items to the India, Otis said he had made the proposal to the Indian government to increase allocation for the poor and for 78-nation tour of Gandhi's items to promote his principle of non violence.

He said he had received no formal response to the proposal though he had read in the newspapers that it had been rejected. He would continue negotiations with the government, he added.

Asked how many more items he had, he said, "Quite a few. But I am not sharing with you at this time."