Muslim organisation, Sunni Awami Forum, has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in Gujarat High Court demanding that the use of 'Amdavad' to identify the city be banned by government authorities, and 'Ahmedabad' be used instead. It has also opposed the use of a 'Chabutara' (birdfeeder) as a symbol for the city.
They argue that the city was established in 1411 AD and has a rich Indo-Islamic heritage; while the chabutara is a fairly recent structure and therefore an inauthentic representation of the city.
The court adjourned the matter as it was not clear which government department has to act in the case. It also sought the stand of the government authorities.
The forum has filed the petition against the State of Gujarat, the Chief Secretary of the State and Principal Secretary in the Tourism Department. It says that king Ahmed Shah founded the city in 1411 AD and thus the city is named after him. "Therefore the name is of immense historical significance. It is pertinent to note that the officially recognized name of the city, as per the Census of India, is 'Ahmedabad'," said the petition.
However, 'Amadavad' is used in official documents, letterheads and advertisements in India and abroad.
The petition mentioned that RTI applications have sought whether a official notification or government resolution has been passed for the use of 'Amdavad'. The authorities replied it has not.
ALL IN THE NAME
The Sunni Awami Forum contends that the city is named after its founder, King Ahmedabad Shah. It also holds that the ‘chabutra’ is a fairly recent structure and not a proper representation of the city’s Indo-islamic heritage and roots that go down to 1411 AD
