The museum houses rare and priceless exhibits, including photographs, manuscripts, letters, books, archives, historical records, and artifacts associated with Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian independence movement, says petitioner.
| Photo Credit: R. ASHOK
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday directed the State to file a report to a public interest litigation petition that sought a direction to the authorities to expeditiously complete the renovation work and reopen the Gandhi Memorial Museum in Madurai and its library for public access.A Division Bench of Justices A.D. Jagadish Chandira and R. Poornima was hearing the petition filed by A.V. Kathir of Madurai. The petitioner said the Gandhi Memorial Museum, established in 1959, is one of the most significant institutions in India dedicated to preserving and promoting the life, teachings, ideals and contributions of Mahatma Gandhi.He said the museum was established as a national memorial to commemorate the sacrifices made during India’s freedom struggle and to educate future generations regarding the principles of truth, non-violence, social justice, and national unity. The museum houses rare and priceless exhibits, including photographs, manuscripts, letters, books, archives, historical records, and artifacts associated with Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian independence movement.The museum also contains a valuable public library consisting of books, journals, research publications, rare documents, and literature relating to Mahatma Gandhi, India’s freedom movement, history, culture, public administration, and social reform movements. The library has served as an important resource for students, researchers, scholars, academicians, historians, and civil service aspirants, he said.He said more than three years ago the authorities closed the museum and its library for renovation, restoration, modernisation, and maintenance works. The public welcomed the decision with the legitimate expectation that the institution would be upgraded and reopened within a reasonable period.However, the continued closure of the museum and its library has deprived the students, scholars, historians, researchers, and 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, he said.The court posted the matter for hearing to July 29. Published - July 09, 2026 10:10 pm IST
