Gandhi Cap Case

During the Civil Disobedience Movement, the Gandhi cap symbolized defiance and resistance against the British government in the Guntur district. The sight of the Gandhi cap and other symbols of the Congress was so infuriating to the government that on 30th June 1930, the District Magistrate of Guntur district, F.W. Stewart, imposed a ban on the Gandhi cap. Stewart argued that the Gandhi cap worn by the Civil Disobedience Movement sympathizers threatened peace and public tranquility in the region. After the Magistrate’s order, numerous arrests were made, inciting public criticism. Alaparthi Subbayay Chowdary and Meka Raghavayya Chowdary were arrested, and Alaparthi Challayachary was sent to jail for six months of rigorous imprisonment. The government in Fort St. George justified the ban on the Gandhi cap and upheld the arrests made. The issue was taken to the Madras High Court, where on 11th August 1931, Justice Pandalai set aside the Magistrate’s order and restored the people’s liberty. Thus, the Guntur district succeeded in curbing the extravagant power of the executive and emerged victorious in the battle against obnoxious and unjust British government policies.