Background of the PIL: The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in question concerns the preservation of historic buildings associated with Mahatma Gandhi's era, particularly those within the Sabarmati Ashram precincts. The petitioner has urged the Gujarat High Court to ensure that no trust other than the Sabarmati Harijan Ashram Trust is allowed to collect donations from within the Gandhi Ashram premises. Concerns were also raised about the state government’s alleged actions of displacing original inhabitants by distributing funds without proper verification, which could potentially benefit unauthorized individuals. This PIL emphasizes the protection of heritage and the sanctity of the Ashram, which is a significant site in India's freedom struggle.
Court's Frustration Over Delays: The court expressed dissatisfaction with the delays in the case, which was initially listed in December 2022 but has not seen substantial progress. Since the first hearing on April 18, 2023, the petitioner was directed to provide comprehensive details about the Harijan Ashram Trust and the distribution of funds to non-residents of the Ashram. However, there have been continuous postponements, partly due to repeated submissions of sick notes by counsel representing different parties involved in the case.
Mandate to Proceed Without Further Delay: On August 9, 2024, the Gujarat High Court, particularly the bench comprising Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Pranav Trivedi, ordered that the arguments in the PIL must proceed without further delays. The court explicitly stated that sick notes or any other forms of leave notes from the counsels involved will no longer be entertained. The bench emphasized the importance of addressing the issue urgently, considering the significance of preserving the historical properties mentioned in the PIL. The next hearing has been scheduled for August 23, 2024, with a clear directive that the petitioner’s counsel must present their arguments on that date.
Significance of the Case: The case highlights the ongoing legal battle to preserve the integrity and heritage of Gandhi’s Ashram, a site of immense historical and cultural importance. The court’s recent order underscores the judiciary’s intent to expedite the resolution of such crucial matters, especially when they involve the preservation of national heritage and the protection of public interest. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how heritage sites are managed and preserved in India, balancing development with the need to maintain historical authenticity and cultural integrity.
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