Maharashtra govt told to decide on Constitution Day circular by Centre

Mumbai, Mar 18: The Bombay High Court today directed Maharashtra government to take an appropriate decision on a circular issued by the Centre deciding to celebrate November 26 of every year as 'Constitution Day'.

A division bench of Justices A S Oka and Prakash Naik was hearing a public interest litigation by Bombay Lawyers Association seeking a direction to the state government to adopt the union government's circular and take necessary steps towards the same.

On November 19, 2015 the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment issued a circular deciding to observe November 26 of every year as 'Constitution Day'.

According to the union government, on November 26, 1949 the Constitution of India was adopted and came into force on January 26, 1950.

"January 26 is celebrated as Republic Day. Similarly, the Centre decided to observe November 26 as Constitution Day. We are not asking the government to declare the day as holiday but steps need to be taken to create awareness among general public at least on the Preamble of the Constitution," the petitioner's advocate Ahmed Abdi said.

The High Court today directed Maharashtra government to take appropriate decision on the circular by April 30 this year.

PTI