Following the issue of Khadi icon where Prime Minister Narendra Modi has replaced Mahatma Gandhi in the iconic picture of spinning the charkha. The Centre took the situation more critically and decided that no one’s belief or sentiment should be hurt from now onwards.

Considering earlier issue, the Centre has ordered the state governments to avoid using sketches, photos or logos of Mahatma Gandhi or his belongings such as his iconic spectacles, charkha or watch on walls of public toilets, garbage bins or any other places that could be considered dirty.

The official advisory is passed on to the respective authorities such as the secretaries in-charge of sanitation, drinking water and sanitation ministry said this should be done “so that sentiment of anyone may not be hurt in implementing Swachh Bharat Mission programme.”

Further, the ministry urged the concerned department heads to issue similar directions to all districts and other authorities concerned. The issue came to limelight after a case was filed by Badruddin Qureshi in Chhattisgarh high court against the use of sketches and photos or belongings of Gandhi on walls of public toilets and “filthy” places.

However, the court has dismissed the petition, it said:

“We do not feel that this is such an infringement and disrespect to the father of the nation. But at the same time, we feel that the Union of India must respond and assure on affidavit that wherever any symbol associated with Mahatma Gandhi is used, it shall be used and placed in such a fashion and that it cannot be easily defaced and should not be used in such a manner which causes disrespect to the father of the nation.”