This was submitted in the High Court in connection with a petition challenging this May 11 resolution of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) changing the name of the city. This Centre decision has made the petition infructuous.

On October 12, Additional Advocate General S N Shelat and Assistant Government Pleader K T Dave placed on record a September 11 communication from Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, informing of its decision.

The petitioners, Prof Nisar Ahmad & others, had submitted that if the Centre government is empowered to change the city name, it cannot do so without consulting the people. Besides, consultation not only with the people of Ahmedabad or Gujarat, but with those of the country, it was submitted.Besides, such a decision was must be based upon honest purposes, it was submitted.

It was also pointed out that the AMC resolution was not consistent with the Central government guidelines on changing the names of towns or cities. The main principles laid down in the circular say that unless for a special season, it is not desirable to change a name which the people have got used to. Besides, the names of villages or cities having historical connection should not be changed as far as possible, the circular states.

The petitioner also contended that the real motive behind changing Ahmedabd's name was the dislike for the minority community. Statutory powers of neither the civic body nor the State government can be used out of prejudice for any community, it was alleged. Besides, no legislation empowers the civic body to change a city name, making the AMC resolution illegal, it was submitted.