When Dr BR Ambedkar Saved A Man From Gallows At Old HC Building Inside Nagpur's Old High Court building, now a protected yet neglected structure, Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar once argued a case that would overturn a death sentence, marking a defining moment in India's legal history. In 1937, Ambedkar secured the acquittal of Agamandas, who was sentenced to death by a Raipur sessions court in a murder case widely believed to be driven by political motives. The case was brought to him by LN Hardas, then a legislator from Kamptee and a committed follower. Despite being elected to the provincial council on February 17, 1937, Agamandas found himself entangled in a legal battle. At the time, Raipur and the broader Chhattisgarh region were part of the Central Provinces (CP) and Berar, with the high court headquartered in Nagpur. The Old High Court building in Civil Lines, then a symbol of colonial-era justice, became the stage for Dr BR Ambedkar's intervention. Presenting his case with what records describe as "precise reliance on evidence," Dr BR Ambedkar dismantled the prosecution claims. On April 29, 1937, the court declared Agamandas not guilty, sparing him from execution and reinforcing the principle of due process in a colonial legal framework. The anniversary of the verdict will be observed on April 29, 2026, with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) planning a tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar at the Old High Court premises. Uttam Shewde, the party's state publicity chief, confirmed the tribute. Even as the legacy of that courtroom victory endures, the building itself remains in shambles. Granted heritage status in 2018, the Old High Court building has seen limited attention from the Archaeological Survey of India despite its national significance.#dr_br_ambedkar #bahujan_samaj_party #agamandas #ln_hardas #old_high_court_nagpur
HC Questions Loud Celebrations On Apr 14, Seeks Accountability From Organisers The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Tuesday raised serious concerns over the loud celebrations held at Samvidhan Square on April 14 to mark Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary. The court questioned whether such events aligned with the constitutional values espoused by Dr. Ambedkar and directed authorities to investigate the organizers and the city police for accountability. The celebrations, which included loud slogans, high-decibel sound systems, and firecrackers, were criticized for violating noise pollution regulations and infringing on citizens’ rights under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. A division bench comprising Justices Urmila Joshi-Phalke and Nivedita Mehta heard a batch of public interest litigation (PIL) cases. The court was informed by amicus curiae Abdul Subhan that the event’s noise levels exceeded statutory limits, disrupting the rights of nearby residents. The bench emphasized that the right to live with dignity, a fundamental guarantee under the Constitution, must be upheld. It referenced Dr. Ambedkar’s philosophy, noting that social democracy requires progress without compromising the dignity of others. The court highlighted that while celebrating national figures is important, such events must reflect their ideals of equality, justice, and civic responsibility. It stressed that freedom should not be converted into license, underscoring that rights are sustained by both legal frameworks and social morality. The bench also addressed the health and ecological impacts of the celebrations, noting that late-night disturbances between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.#nagpur #bombay_high_court #samvidhan_square #dr_br_ambedkar #abudl_subhan
City’s Midnight Tryst With Ambedkar On His Jayanti Nagpur: The city of Nagpur witnessed a vibrant celebration of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14, with thousands of devotees gathering at Deekshabhoomi to honor the birth anniversary of the architect of the Indian Constitution. The festivities began at midnight, marked by the resonant chants of “Jai Bhim” and the explosive sound of firecrackers, creating an atmosphere of reverence and unity. As the clock struck 12, crowds flocked to Samvidhan Square, where the event unfolded with a blend of devotion, cultural enthusiasm, and community engagement. The Deekshabhoomi premises, adorned in navy blue hues, became a hub of activity, drawing devotees from across Maharashtra and neighboring states. Floral tributes were laid at the statue of Dr. BR Ambedkar, while Buddhist monks led prayers within the stupa premises. The recitation of Tri Sharan and Panchsheel, core principles of Ambedkar’s philosophy, engaged large crowds, reflecting the enduring relevance of his teachings. Blood donation camps, a recurring feature of the celebrations, saw over 200 individuals contribute to the cause, underscoring the spirit of selflessness and collective responsibility. Beyond the central event, Ambedkar Jayanti was commemorated through a series of community-driven initiatives across Nagpur. Localities organized rallies, cultural performances, and tribute meetings, fostering a sense of shared purpose. At Ambedkar Chowk, CA Road, and Wardhaman Nagar, volunteers distributed food and ice cream, bringing joy to children and residents. These efforts highlighted the intersection of tradition and modernity, as citizens came together to honor Ambedkar’s legacy while addressing contemporary social needs.#nagpur #dr_babasaheb_ambedkar_jayanti #deekshabhoomi #samvidhan_square #dr_br_ambedkar
