In a significant ruling, the Calcutta High Court’s Port Blair circuit bench has decided not to interfere with the Central Government’s decision to rename Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to Sri Vijaya Puram. The court declared that renaming locations is the prerogative of the executive branch of the government.
On September 13, the name change was officially announced by the central government, marking a shift from the colonial legacy of the old name to one that reflects the historical and cultural ethos of India. The decision to rename the city was part of a broader initiative to shed colonial names and symbols.
The petition challenging the government’s decision was heard by Justices Ravi Krishan Kapur and Prasenjit Biswas, who cited previous precedents such as the renaming of Bombay to Mumbai, underscoring the executive’s authority in such matters. Following the court’s explanation, Advocate Prohit Mohan Lall, who had filed the petition, chose to withdraw it.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah commented on the change, stating, “While the earlier name had a colonial legacy, Sri Vijaya Puram symbolises the victory achieved in India’s freedom struggle and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ unique role in it.” This statement reflects the government’s intent to honor the historical significance of the islands in the context of India’s struggle for independence.
