The Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court has given permission to the Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan Trust to financially assist veteran actor Sudhir Dalvi, who is currently battling sepsis and remains in critical condition.
Sudhir Dalvi, aged 86, earned immense respect and recognition for his timeless role as Sai Baba in Manoj Kumar’s film Shirdi Ke Sai Baba. His performance not only brought him national acclaim but also established a deep emotional connection between him and millions of devotees.
According to reports, the Trust approached the Court seeking approval to provide ₹11 lakh towards Dalvi’s treatment. Under existing regulations, any such expenditure requires prior judicial clearance.
Advocate Anil S. Bajaj, appearing for the Trust, informed the Court that the ad-hoc committee managing the Trust’s operations had already decided to extend the financial aid. He added that the actor’s contribution to portraying Sai Baba with sincerity and devotion makes him uniquely linked to the Trust’s spiritual legacy.
Dalvi is currently undergoing treatment at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital. The Trust originally received a request of ₹15 lakh for medical assistance on October 30. Following earlier court directions, the Trust submitted affidavits outlining the actor’s financial situation and his inability to meet the increasing medical expenses.
The filings also included a heartfelt note from Dalvi’s wife, who shared that the actor is bedridden and requires 24-hour care at home. A physiotherapist and two attendants are looking after him, and his recovery period is estimated to be nearly a year.
After reviewing all documents, the division bench comprising Justices Vibha Kankanwadi and Hiten Venegaonkar observed that Sudhir Dalvi is indeed in urgent need of financial support. The judges referred to Section 17(2)(2)(o) of the Shree Sai Baba Sansthan Trust (Shirdi) Act, 2004, which grants the Trust authority to aid individuals in crisis or contribute to humanitarian causes.
The Court stated that considering the actor’s remarkable portrayal of Sai Baba and the faith people have in the deity, such assistance stands justified as an act aligned with Sai Baba’s teachings.
With the High Court’s approval, the Shirdi Sai Baba Trust is now authorized to cover the necessary medical expenses, ensuring that Sudhir Dalvi receives timely treatment and care.