Publication Of Ambedkar's Writings Absolutely Necessary – Bombay High Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Stalled State Govt Project On Printing Ambedkar Literature

The news report reflected a "sorry state of affairs," the court said noting that the publication of Ambedkar's work is absolutely necessary and desirable for present and future generation.

"It(Amedkar's work) is useful to members of legal fraternity as well as to general members," Justices Prasanna B Varale and Shriram M Modak directed its Registry to lodge a suo motu PIL and place it for further considerations before the bench led by Chief Justice Dipankar Datta.

According to the November 24 news report, the Maharashtra government had undertaken to publish Ambedkar's literature under the caption "The writings and speeches of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar" in volumes.

Directions were issued to print nine lakh copies of the volumes and printing paper worth Rs 5.45 crore was purchased by the state. But only 33,000 copies were printed in the last four years and the paper purchased for the project is lying in the godowns. Out of the 33,000 copies, only 3,675 were made available for distribution, the report added.

"There is no dispute that these volumes are in demand not only by the researchers but also by the public in general," the High Court noted.

Based on the news item, the court noted that the Government Press is not equipped with the modern machinery and faces the issue of old machinery and inadequate human resources. Moreover, there is a major staff crunch.

"The news item reflects a sorry state of affairs... The publication is absolutely necessary and desirable for present and future generations. It is useful to members of the legal fraternity as well as to general members. So, we feel that there is a need for this court to look into the issue of halting the project... Considering the nature of the grievance raised in the news item, we are treating it as a matter for public interest litigation," the bench said.