Mahatma Gandhi is beyond formal recognition of Bharat Ratna, Supreme Court

A petition with a peculiar prayer seeking conferment of Bharat Ratna on Mahatma Gandhi was heard by the Supreme Court today.

This PIL prayed for the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest honour, for his contribution to the building of the nation.

When this petition was taken up by the Bench of Chief Justice of India SA Bobde with Justices BR Gavai and Surya Kant, the Court said that while it agrees with the sentiment of the petitioner, this was not the forum to ask for the same.

The Court also remarked that Mahatma Gandhi, being the father of the nation, is beyond such formal recognitions and didn't need the same.

With these observations, the Court pointed out that this prayer was beyond its scope and thus would not entertain this plea.

The petitioner, however, was told by the Court to make a representation before the government if he so desired.