Bombay HC Seeks SIT Probe Into 2016 Ambedkar Bhavan Demolition

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday expressed concern over the slow pace of investigation into the 2016 demolition of the historic Buddha Bhushan Printing Press and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Bhavan in Dadar.

A Bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and Kamal Khata was hearing a batch of petitions, including one filed by Prakash Ambedkar, seeking an independent investigation into the late-night demolition of the printing press founded by Dr B.R. Ambedkar.

The court questioned the progress of the investigation after it was informed that the statements of petitioner Prakash Ambedkar, complainant Anand Ambedkar and the original trustees of the Bhavan had not been recorded. The Bench asked how many statements had been recorded so far, given that the crime occurred in 2016 and it was now August 2026.

Additional Public Prosecutor Prajakta Shinde informed the court that more than 25 statements had been recorded but admitted that the statements of the trustees had not yet been taken. She maintained that the complainant's statement had been recorded. However, Advocate Prakash Ambedkar, who argued in person, told the court that his statement and his brother Anand's statement, who is the complainant, had not been recorded, and neither had the original trustees' statements.

The Bench then suggested that the investigation be transferred to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or a senior officer, as it appeared that something was missing. Advocate General Milind Sathe responded that he would consider the suggestion and place an updated status report before the court detailing the progress of the investigation and the statements recorded during the next hearing.

In June this year, the Mumbai Police and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) filed affidavits stating that the demolition was carried out by a private trust without the civic body's permission. The BMC stated that it had neither permitted nor authorised the demolition and that no civic officials were involved in the action.

The matter will now be heard after two weeks. The court's suggestion for a SIT probe or a senior officer to investigate the demolition is a significant development in the case, which has been pending for over a decade.

The demolition of the Ambedkar Bhavan in 2016 was a controversial incident that sparked widespread outrage and protests. The building was a historic landmark and a symbol of Dr Ambedkar's legacy, and its demolition was seen as a blow to the Dalit community.

The Bombay High Court's intervention in the case is a welcome step towards ensuring that justice is served and that those responsible for the demolition are held accountable. The court's suggestion for a SIT probe or a senior officer to investigate the demolition is a significant development in the case, and it remains to be seen how the investigation will proceed.

The case highlights the importance of preserving historic landmarks and symbols of cultural heritage, and the need for authorities to take swift and decisive action in cases of vandalism and destruction of property. It also underscores the need for transparency and accountability in investigations, particularly in cases that involve sensitive and controversial issues.

In conclusion, the Bombay High Court's suggestion for a SIT probe or a senior officer to investigate the demolition of the Ambedkar Bhavan is a significant development in the case, and it is hoped that it will lead to a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident. The case is a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and ensuring that justice is served in cases of vandalism and destruction of property.