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HC raps cops over midnight razing of Buddha Bhushan press in Dadar (2016)
The Bombay High Court expressed shock at the 2016 midnight demolition of the Buddha Bhushan printing press in Dadar, criticizing police inaction and directing a personal affidavit from the police commissioner. The hearing involves petitions by Prakash Ambedkar and others about the demolition and related losses, with the court seeking explanations on intelligence and police response, and scheduling further proceedings for June 15, 2026.
Why It Matters
The case raises questions about police accountability and the protection of heritage and Dalit literature institutions. It could influence how authorities respond to alleged illegal demolitions and handling of sensitive historical sites.
Timeline
7 Events
May 11, 2026: Article reports next hearing date
May 11, 2026
The Bombay High Court posted the matter for further hearing on June 15, 2026.
April 30, 2026: High Court hearing and remarks
April 30, 2026
During the hearing, the court expressed 'shock' over the 'audacity and the manner' in which the police responded to the complaints and termed the reply affidavit 'deeply disturbing and thoughtless'. It also noted the 'evident inaction' of the police and the unusual demolition timing between 12 midnight and 7:00am.
April 28, 2026: ACP Palange files affidavit
April 28, 2026
Assistant commissioner of police Ghanashyam Palange filed an affidavit stating that the allegations were vague and baseless while acknowledging that the police had been informed about the demolition and that the complainants did not possess the requisite documents to enable them to stop it.
April 2017: Petition filed in court
April 2017
The petitioners moved the Bombay High Court in April 2017 concerning the demolition.
June 25, 2016: Midnight demolition of Buddha Bhushan printing press
June 25, 2016
Around 2:00am on June 25, 2016, a mob of 400-500 unknown persons arrived with earth movers and bulldozers to demolish the printing press. Anand Ambedkar, brother of Prakash Ambedkar, rushed to Bhoiwada police station to lodge a complaint, but the deputy commissioner of police allegedly threatened to arrest him and refused to send a police team to stop the demolition, by which time the press had already been demolished. The petition claims that important artefacts and documents were damaged or stolen during the demolition.
1945: Trust created on the land
1945
In 1945, he created a trust on the land which housed the Buddha Bhushan printing press and Babasaheb Ambedkar Bhavan.
1930: Prakash Ambedkar purchases two plots
1930
According to the petition, Prakash Ambedkar purchased two plots in 1930 from his own funds.