Bombay High Court Seeks Clarification On Savarkar Sadan Heritage Status
The Bombay High Court has sought clarification from the government and the civic body regarding their stance on granting heritage status to Savarkar Sadan in Dadar. This judicial inquiry stems from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a Hindu organization, advocating for heritage protection for the building, which was once the residence of a prominent ideologue. The petitioner highlighted a decade-long inaction by the Urban Development Department, despite a 2012 recommendation by the civic body to include the structure in Mumbai’s official Heritage List, raising concerns about potential demolition before any status is conferred.
Previously, the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee had recommended granting heritage status to the Sadan, leading the civic body to formally request the government for its inclusion in the heritage list. However, despite these prior steps, no significant progress was made for over a decade. The court questioned the need for a fresh recommendation from the heritage committee, querying the issues with the earlier proposal. It was revealed that action was only initiated in February after an email directive from the Chief Minister’s Office, prompting the department to re-examine the long-pending matter.
The petition also urged the Central government to consider declaring the building a “Monument of National Importance,” drawing comparisons to other protected historical residences, despite the Sadan currently falling short of the standard 100-year age requirement. In response, the court has directed both the government and the civic body to file detailed affidavits within two weeks, scheduling the next hearing for August 6. Among the reliefs sought are interim protection against any alterations, formal inclusion in the heritage list, and a central policy for national recognition.
This legal intervention underscores the ongoing public and judicial emphasis on preserving historically significant structures. It highlights the complexities of balancing urban development with heritage conservation, demanding greater accountability and prompt decision-making from authorities to safeguard cultural landmarks for future generations, ensuring their legacy endures.
