HC seeks report from state on reopening Gandhi Museum in Madurai

Madurai: Madras high court on Thursday directed the state to file a report on a plea seeking a direction to the authorities to complete the renovation work and reopen the Gandhi Memorial Museum and its library in Madurai for public access.A division bench of Justice A D Jagadish Chandira and Justice R Poornima was hearing a public interest litigation filed by A V Kathir of Madurai.The petitioner stated that more than three years ago, authorities closed the museum and its library for renovation, restoration, modernization, and maintenance work. Public welcomed the decision with the legitimate expectation that it would be upgraded and reopened within a reasonable period.

However, during his recent visit to the museum he learnt that the renovation work was still under way.The petitioner stated that the continued closure of the museum and its library has deprived students, scholars, historians, researchers, and members of the public from accessing valuable historical, educational, and research resources. The prolonged inaccessibility of such an important institution has adversely affected academic study, public awareness, and heritage education. Hence, the petitioner moved court seeking relief.