Nashik: Tipu Sultan Portrait Row Reaches Bombay HC, State Govt Asked To Respond

Nashik: The dispute over Tipu Sultan's portrait at Malegaon Municipal Corporation Deputy Mayor Shan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed's office has now reached the Bombay High Court. Deputy Mayor Nihal Ahmed has contested the municipal administration and police's orders to remove the portrait. The Bombay High Court has issued a notice to the Maharashtra Government to provide a response.

The portrait, displayed among others of Mahatma Gandhi and Rani Lakshmibai, faced objection from Malegaon Municipal Corporation Opposition Leader Nilesh Kakade. The civic administration and police subsequently initiated correspondence to remove the portrait. The authorities have cited a 1965 circular and government resolutions from 2002 for the display of national leaders' portraits in government buildings.

The petitioner's lawyer questioned why only Tipu Sultan's portrait is being targeted when other historical figures are also displayed in public and government buildings. The petitioner referenced the original artistic version of the Constitution of India, stating it contains an illustration of Tipu Sultan. The petition also cited the presence of Tipu Sultan's portrait in other public institutions, such as the Nashik District Court, arguing that the action against the portrait in the Deputy Mayor's office needs judicial review.

The Maharashtra Government has opposed the petition. However, a bench with Chief Justice Maheshchandra Tripathi and Justice Adwait Sethna has ordered the State Government to file its response. The case is set to be heard again in three weeks.