Digambar Badge

Digambar Ramchandra Badge was an Indian political activist and arms dealer who became a key figure in the conspiracy to assassinate Mahatma Gandhi. He is most widely remembered for turning approver (state witness) in the trial, a decision that proved critical to the prosecution’s case against Gandhi’s assassins.

Early Life and Background

Badge operated an arms and ammunition business in Pune. He was associated with the Hindu Mahasabha, a nationalist political organisation active during the late colonial and early independence period of India. His business connections and political links brought him into contact with members of the conspiracy against Gandhi.

Role in Gandhi Assassination Conspiracy

Badge was directly involved in the conspiracy to assassinate Mahatma Gandhi. He supplied and carried weapons, explosives, and related materials intended for the execution of the plan. Following his arrest, Badge confessed to his role and chose to cooperate with the authorities. By agreeing to testify against his fellow conspirators in exchange for a pardon, he assumed the legal position of an approver.

Testimony and Legal Implications

Badge’s testimony became central to the case:

• He detailed the involvement of the principal conspirators, including Nathuram Godse, Narayan Apte, and Vishnu Karkare.
• His statements also attempted to link Vinayak Damodar Savarkar to the conspiracy, though these claims were not fully corroborated, contributing to Savarkar’s eventual acquittal.
• The presiding judge accepted Badge’s testimony as reliable despite concerns regarding lack of independent supporting evidence, thus ensuring its importance in shaping the verdict.

Pardon and Aftermath

In recognition of his cooperation, Badge was formally pardoned in mid-1948. His pardon was granted on the condition of full and continued assistance to the prosecution. He subsequently provided further clarifications and evidence that reinforced the state’s case. Although pardoned, his reputation remained marked by his dual role as both a conspirator and a state witness.

Historical Significance

The case of Digambar Badge stands out in Indian legal and political history for several reasons:

• It marked one of the rare instances where a conspirator in a high-profile political assassination turned approver.
• His testimony highlighted the role of extremist political groups in post-colonial India and the complex intersections of ideology, activism, and criminality.
• The reliance on an approver’s testimony raised broader questions about the judicial process, credibility of evidence, and fairness in politically sensitive trials.