ASI Rules Out National Monument Status for Savarkar Sadan, Suggests State or BMC Heritage Listing
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has officially informed the Bombay High Court that Savarkar Sadan, the former residence of Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in Mumbai's Shivaji Park area, cannot be declared a centrally protected monument of national importance. This decision comes in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the public charitable trust Abhinav Bharat Congress, which sought heritage status for the building to prevent its demolition or redevelopment.
Criteria for National Monument Status
In an affidavit filed on January 29, the ASI, through its superintendent archaeologist Abhijit Ambekar, clarified that to declare any structure as a centrally protected monument of national importance, it must fulfil the criteria of being more than 100 years old as per Section 2 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. The ASI preserves only those monuments or sites declared protected under this Act by the central government.
Savarkar Sadan was originally built in 1938 as a ground-plus-one bungalow, making it less than 100 years old. After Savarkar's death in 1966, three more floors were added in 1984, and the building now comprises eight flats. Despite its historical significance, the ASI stated that it has not been declared a protected monument by the Central Government.
Alternative Heritage Listing Options
However, the ASI emphasized that the building is suitable for inclusion either in the state protected monument list or the BMC heritage list. Such a listing would effectively prevent the demolition of the structure and ensure its preservation for future generations. The ASI described Savarkar Sadan as a significantly important building, noting that it was a site where Savarkar held meetings with prominent leaders, including Subhas Chandra Bose.
The affidavit highlighted that the Swatantryaveer Savarkar Rashtriya Smarak Trust owns one room on the ground floor, which serves as a mini museum housing trophies, outfits, and memorabilia connected to Savarkar's life and work. Savarkar's daughter-in-law, Sunanda Vishwas Savarkar, aged 92, still resides in the building, while the remaining flats are currently vacant. The building is in liveable condition but has undergone significant alterations since its construction.
Background of the PIL and Court Proceedings
The PIL was filed by Abhinav Bharat Congress co-founder and authorised representative, Professor Pankaj Phadnis, who resides in the building. The plea alleged apathy by the Maharashtra government for sitting on the recommendation to grant heritage status to the site for 15 years, leaving it vulnerable to demolition. It also claimed that while Jinnah House was granted heritage status, Savarkar Sadan remained un-notified despite its historical relevance.
On Friday, when the matter was mentioned before a bench led by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar, the court stated that it would be heard after a week and continued the interim order of status quo at the property pending the hearing of the plea. The ASI has sought appropriate orders from the court based on the facts and circumstances presented.
This development underscores the ongoing efforts to preserve historical sites in India, balancing legal criteria with cultural significance. The ASI's recommendation for state or BMC heritage listing offers a viable path to safeguard Savarkar Sadan, ensuring that its legacy is maintained without contravening national monument regulations.
