"He Is Higher Than Bharat Ratna": SC Dismisses Plea Seeking Bharat Ratna To Mahatma Gandhi

The Supreme Court on Friday declined to issue to any direction to the Union of India for conferring the Bharat Ratna on Mahatma Gandhi.

"He is much higher than the Bharat Ratna? He is held in much greater esteem by the people!...We agree with your views, we accept your views...but what is the Bharat Ratna for Mahatma Gandhi?", observed Chief Justice S. A. Bobde.

"We agree that he should be honoured. But he is the father of the nation! He is far beyond any formal recognition!", continued the CJ.

Dismissing the PIL for want of a justifiable cause, the court, however, allowed the petitioner to make a representation before the government in this behalf.