BABUBHAI JASHBHAI PATEL Vs. STATE OF GUJARAT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Mahatma Gandhiji commands universal respect A statue of that great personality is to be installed in Gandhinagar the capital city named after that great personality with a view to respect and perpetuate his memory. Unfortunately this has created some controversy.

(2.) The petitioner No. 1 is a Gandhian of repute and has been a former Chief Minister of this State. The petitioner No. 2-Gandhi Peace Foundation as its name suggests has abundant respect for Gandhiji and his way of life. They are aggrieved by a photograph published in a newspaper of the statue to be installed.

(3.) According to the petitioners this statue depicts the picture of a man of totally down-cast and depressed being and does not present the exact visual representation in the mind of public at large. It is submitted that if any caricature is sought to be passed off as the emblem of Gandhiji it would be a matter of disgrace and shame and it would tantamount to dishonouring that gigantic personality who by his smiling face by his brisk movements and by his intellectual heights has made India proud of its rich heritage in various branches of human thinking. It is further submitted that if anyone tries to present a different picture it would be an insult to the Indian sentiments and would degrade and denigrate that radiant personality.