Mumbai, Jul 14 The construction of a mural of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar is a public project that invests in the intellectual and moral foundations of future generations, the Bombay High Court has said, dismissing a medical practitioner's plea challenging land acquisition for the project in Amravati.
The proposed mural of Dr Ambedkar was not a mere addition of aesthetic value to the existing statue, but would serve a deeper purpose of opening the doors of knowledge for future generations, Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode of the HC's Nagpur division bench said on Monday.
"Creating the mural of Dr Ambedkar is an investment in the intellectual and moral foundations of our future generations. Dr Ambedkar's contributions to the nation, including his advocacy for equality, justice and fraternity, are the foundation of the Indian constitutional framework," the court observed.
His message of educate, agitate and organise remains a powerful and meaningful lesson and his ideas continue to guide the nation's democratic progress, it added.
Quoting Dr Ambedkar, the chief architect of India's Constitution, the court said, "Men are mortal. So are ideas. An idea needs propagation as much as a plant needs watering."
A mural depicting Dr Ambedkar would perform the crucial function of propagating his ideas in public and in an enduring manner, the HC said, adding it would serve as a source of inspiration to citizens, especially the younger generations and reinforce the fundamental constitutional values that he articulated.
"The creation of such a mural undeniably advances the general welfare of the community by giving inspiration to the present and the future generations. It, thus, satisfies the essential requirement of 'public purpose'," the court said.
It dismissed the petition filed by Chandrashekhar Gattani, a resident of Nashik, challenging the acquisition proceeding initiated for his 6,600 square feet of land for a public purpose, which is beautification and development of the area surrounding the statue of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar at Irvin Square in Amravati.
The statue was constructed in 1970.
The petitioner argued that the proceeding was in violation of his fundamental rights and also provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act.
Under the Act, the authorities have powers to acquire land for public purpose in any district for an area not exceeding 10,000 hectares.
The plea contended that a project for beautification and development of an area around a statue cannot be considered as a public project.
Gattani said he was not even granted an opportunity of hearing by the authority concerned before the acquisition proceeding was initiated and a sum of Rs 99 lakh was deposited in his account.
The high court in its order noted that constitutional provisions cast an obligation on every citizen to value and preserve the right heritage of the nation's composite culture and impose a duty on the state to act as a trustee of public resources.
"Construction of structures, statues or murals to represent history, culture or achievements of eminent leaders who contributed immensely to the nation, stands as lasting symbols of values and is of great significance," the court said.
The ultimate aim behind this is to showcase the historical stories and contributions of the visionaries and to motivate people, especially the younger generation, the HC added.
