The Supreme Court of India today (January 17, 2020) declined to issue any directive to the Centre for conferring a Bharat Ratna on Mahatma Gandhi. 

The Chief Justice of India, SA Bobde observed that Gandhi is the 'father of the nation', people hold him on esteem far beyond any formal recognition. The Apex Court further asked the PIL petitioner to make a representation before the Government of India. 

The Bharat Ratna came into existence on January 2, 1954 which is the highest civilian award given to the citizens of the Republic of India in the recognition of providing exceptional service of the highest order. This achievement was earlier restricted to exceptional achievements in the field of science, art, literature and public services but it was soon extended to include exceptional services in any field of human endeavour.