On May 9, 2025, the Bombay High Court directed the Maharashtra government to clarify its position on granting heritage status to Savarkar Sadan, the former residence of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar located in Dadar, Mumbai. The court also ordered a status quo, halting any redevelopment activities at the site until the next hearing scheduled for June 13, 2025.

The directive came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Abhinav Bharat Congress, represented by Dr. Pankaj Phadnis. The petition seeks to have Savarkar Sadan included in Mumbai’s official Heritage List and to be declared a “monument of national importance,” despite the building not meeting the typical 100-year age criterion.

In 2009, the Urban Development Department approved a proposal to include Savarkar Sadan in the heritage list, and a notice was issued inviting public suggestions and objections. However, no official notification followed, leaving the building vulnerable to redevelopment.

The court’s order to maintain the current status of the property aims to prevent any changes until the matter is resolved. The state government is expected to provide a clear timeline for its decision on the heritage status by the next hearing.

Sources