HC appoints 2 advocates to assist in checking ‘misuse' of national emblem, create awareness
2
Cuttack: Taking serious note of alleged misuse of the national emblem, Orissa high court on Tuesday appointed two senior advocates as amici curiae to assist in checking such instances and promoting public awareness about the symbol's legal and symbolic sanctity.
The order came in response to a PIL filed by a Ganjam-based NGO on Dec 27, 2024, seeking strict action against unauthorised and incorrect usage of the national emblem.
The division bench of Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M S Raman observed that several instances cited in the petition clearly reflect violations of the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005.
"The court has the power to direct action against violators, but the larger issue of public awareness must also be addressed," the bench observed, adding that the emblem's misuse stems from ignorance among both citizens and officials.
Senior advocates — Manoj Kumar Mishra, president of the Orissa High Court Bar Association, and Subir Palit — have been appointed amici curiae "to assist the court in achieving the main object, more particularly, the prevention of misuse of the State Emblem of India and spreading of awareness amongst the people". The court directed all parties to furnish case documents and pleadings to the amici curiae within the week.
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The matter has been listed for next hearing on Sept 2.
Advocate Pabitra Kumar Dutta, representing the NGO, highlighted cases where the national emblem has been misrepresented — often missing crucial elements such as the four lions or the motto 'Satyameva Jayate'. The petitioner also called for the inclusion of the national emblem in school curricula and nationwide campaigns to educate citizens on its cultural, legal and constitutional significance.
Adopted on Jan 26, 1950, the national emblem is based on the 'Lion Capital' of Ashoka at Sarnath, featuring four Asiatic lions and the words 'Satyameva Jayate' inscribed in Devanagari script below. The PIL argues that misuse — intentional or otherwise — diminishes its meaning and national importance.
In its Feb 19 order, the HC had criticised repeated adjournments sought by the Centre and emphasised the seriousness of the allegations regarding the national emblem's misuse.
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