Death of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi: Government Resolutions (2nd Feb 1948)

Gandhi's assassination occurred at approximately 5:17 p.m. on 30 January 1948 at Birla House in New Delhi. His death was followed by an extraordinary national mourning. The Government's response was communicated through official channels as well as through public announcements, resolutions and administrative orders. A subsequent Government resolution dated 2 February 1948, for example, described the assassination as a profound national and international tragedy and recorded Gandhi's death while proceeding to his evening prayer.

advtanmoy 29/08/2026 5 minutes read

Encyclopedia of Contemporary Indian Politics

Nathuram Godse’s Court Statement

Government of India Resolution on the Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi

Author: Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs
Publication: The Gazette of India
Issue: Extraordinary
Date: Monday, 2 February 1948
Notification No.: 30/1/48-Appt.(SP)/I
Place: New Delhi

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
New Delhi, the 2nd February, 1948

RESOLUTION

Sudden and overwhelming tragedy has befallen India and the world. On the 30th January, shortly after 5 p.m., the fell hand of an assassin ended a life of supreme value to humanity, a life round which had revolved India’s destiny for half a century. Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation and beloved of his people, apostle of non-violence, saint and prophet of peace, great soldier for freedom, and lover above all of the lowly, the humble and the oppressed, perished while on his way to prayer to which his fellow-countrymen flocked every evening to listen to his message.

The evening sun set in mourning over a nation’s tragedy.

The last great act of Gandhiji was his decision to sacrifice his life to bring about peace and harmony among the people of India. On Sunday, January 18, he terminated his fast, on a solemn pledge being taken on behalf of the people, and India heaved a sigh of relief. This life of intense and continuous service to India and humanity has ended now in death which has also been a fulfilment of that life of service, but it now remains for the Government and the people of India to fulfil that pledge in letter and spirit.

The greatest and noblest of India’s sons has passed away and the world mourns him and pays homage to his mighty achievements and the splendour of his spirit. Overwhelmed by sorrow, the Government of India still think with pride and thankfulness of their great leader, who has been an inspiration to hundreds of millions of people and has taught them the path of high endeavour and right action.

In death as in life he was smiling, serene, and full of love for all, the very embodiment of his message of truth and ahimsa. His life was one long struggle for justice and tolerance between man and man.

The Government of India, in paying reverent homage to the glorious memory of Mahatma Gandhi, declare their determination to strive to the utmost to fulfil his great message. To him the call of duty was paramount and duty demands of the Indian people today courage, vision and faith, and the pursuit of truth and the practice of tolerance.

They urge upon their countrymen to remember, even in this hour of national bereavement, this duty and to face the future with stout hearts and steady gaze. They must assist the Government to fight the dark forces of evil and violence that are at work in our midst and that have succeeded in putting an end to the most precious treasure that India possessed.

But even this act has only heightened the splendour of his spirit which shines today and will always shine upon the Indian people and on humanity. As in life, so now, that great spirit will guard and guide India which he loved so passionately and served so unceasingly and with such devotion.

India and India’s message were embodied in his own magnificent self.

Let us therefore be true to Gandhiji and to India and strive our utmost to realise the India of his dreams.

No. 30/1/48-Appt.(SP)/II

RESOLUTION

The manner of Mahatma Gandhi’s death is a grim and urgent reminder of the forces of hate and violence that are at work in our country and which imperil the freedom of the nation and darken her fair name. These forces must be swiftly controlled and rooted out. Only thus can India proceed along her appointed path and fulfil her destiny.

Success in this endeavour demands the willing help of her people. Government have no doubt that the great majority of the Indian people demand that this action be taken and this duty performed. Government will, therefore, act with determination and justice, and they trust that the people, while offering their co-operation, will not take the law in their own hands.

There is no place today in India for any organisation that has a policy of violence. No such organisation will, therefore, be tolerated or permitted.

Government call upon all citizens, and particularly those serving Government in any capacity, to observe the declared policy and standards of behaviour and to act strictly in accordance with the declared policy of Government in this respect.

R. N. BANERJEE
Secretary