New Delhi, January 30: Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on January 30 in 1948. As India observes the 78th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s martyrdom today, LatestLY brings to you details of the legal proceedings that followed one of the most consequential assassinations of the 20th century.

Following the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi at Birla House, a special court was established in May 1948. The trial was held within the historic premises of Delhi’s Red Fort, a symbolic location that had previously hosted the trials of the Indian National Army.

The proceedings were presided over by Special Judge Atma Charan. Over several months, the prosecution, led by Advocate General CK Daphtary, presented a case involving 149 witnesses and over 400 documents. Nathuram Godse, the primary accused, admitted to the shooting but maintained a defiant stance throughout the trial, famously delivering a 30,000-word statement explaining his political motivations. What Were Mahatma Gandhi’s Last Words? Did He Really Say ‘Hey Ram’ Before His Death?

The Verdict and Sentencing

On February 10, 1949, Judge Atma Charan delivered the final verdict. Of the eight men initially charged with conspiracy and murder, the court found most guilty, while delivering a notable acquittal for Vinayak Damodar Savarkar due to a lack of corroborating evidence.

The sentencing was as follows:

Nathuram Godse: Death by hanging. Narayan Apte: Death by hanging (identified as the chief coordinator of the plot).

Gopal Godse, Vishnu Karkare, Madanlal Pahwa, and Digambar Badge: Life imprisonment (Badge later turned "approver" and was pardoned).

Dattatraya Parchure and Shankar Kistayya: Originally sentenced, but later acquitted by the High Court on appeal.

Appeals and Execution

Despite a mercy petition filed by Gandhi’s sons, Manilal and Ramdas Gandhi, who argued that executing the assassin would contradict their father’s philosophy of non-violence, the government maintained the sentence. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Home Minister Vallabhbhai Patel remained firm on the judicial outcome. Mahatma Gandhi Quotes for Martyrs’ Day: Inspirational Sayings, Slogans, Messages, Greetings, HD Images and Wallpapers To Honour Father of the Nation.

On June 21, 1949, the Punjab High Court upheld the death sentences for Godse and Apte. On November 15, 1949, both men were executed by hanging at the Ambala Central Jail.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 30, 2026 10:16 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).