[Letter to Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

In this letter dated July 30, 1975, K. D. Desai writes to M. R. Masani in support of Masani’s legal challenge to a pre-censorship order. Desai praises Masani for taking a stand against the Emergency-era atmosphere, describing his actions as courageous and morally important, and says that friends in Gujarat are prepared to help with the struggle. Desai also reports that writ petitions are being filed on behalf of the journals Sadhana and Manav-samaj, which had published material on the Emergency, press censorship, the economic programme, and current events.

The letter further describes growing opposition activity in Gujarat. Desai reports that individuals in more than twelve district centres undertook satyagraha between July 15 and 25, followed by a large Ahmedabad rally on July 26 and similar meetings in district towns. According to the letter, these gatherings endorsed an oath to restore democracy and resist dictatorship. Desai closes by noting that the publication and distribution of Janta News Bulletins is becoming organised. The document is a single-page piece of correspondence; no broader context or subsequent developments are included.

Key points

• K. D. Desai expresses solidarity with M. R. Masani’s challenge to a pre-censorship order.
• Desai characterises Masani’s opposition as an act of courage and moral leadership against dictatorship.
• Writ petitions are being filed for the journals Sadhana and Manav-samaj.
• Manav-samaj had published material on the Emergency, press censorship, the economic programme, and various current events.
• The letter reports satyagraha by five or six individuals in more than twelve Gujarat district centres between July 15 and July 25, 1975.
• A July 26 Ahmedabad rally reportedly attracted 50,000 to 60,000 people, with similar rallies held in thirteen or fourteen district towns.
• The rallies endorsed an oath to restore democracy and resist dictatorship, while Janta News Bulletins were being organised for publication and distribution.