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New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Orissa HC takes serious note of National Emblem misuse
CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has taken strong cognisance of the rampant misuse and improper representation of the National Emblem of India, following a PIL filed by Ganjam-based NGO, Alone Trust. The PIL, filed on December 27, 2024, was heard by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice MS Raman. In a detailed order issued on Tuesday, the bench noted that the petition highlighted several instances of violation of the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005. The petition contended that misuse of the emblem, including omission of vital elements such as the four animals and the national motto Satyameva Jayate, is becoming widespread, stemming largely from public ignorance. While acknowledging its authority to initiate proceedings against violators, the court emphasised the need for a broader, systemic response. 'The larger issue is required to be addressed so that the misuse of such Act can be prevented and there should be a spreading of awareness into a common citizenry of the state, including the officials while using the State Emblem of India,' the order stated. To aid the court in this effort, two senior advocates Manoj Kumar Mishra, president of the Orissa High Court Bar Association, and Subir Palit were appointed as Amicus Curiae. They have been tasked with assisting the court in addressing both prevention and awareness, ensuring respect for the National Emblem's legal and cultural significance. The bench directed all parties to provide relevant documents and pleadings to the Amicus Curiae within the week. The next hearing has been scheduled for September 2. Represented by advocate Pabitra Kumar Dutta, Alone Trust has also urged the inclusion of the National Emblem in school curriculum and educational campaigns. The PIL argues that widespread ignorance about the emblem's symbolism and legal protections is a key reason for its continued misuse. Adopted on January 26, 1950, the National Emblem is adapted from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, with the words Satyameva Jayate (Truth Alone Triumphs) inscribed below in Devanagari. The petition insists that omissions or alterations undermine its symbolic integrity and the values it represents.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
HC appoints 2 advocates to assist in checking ‘misuse' of national emblem, create awareness
1 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Walking shoes for elderly people with poor balance OUTLET Shop Now Undo 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. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
HC grants Centre time to file affidavit in misuse of national emblem
1 2 3 Cuttack: Orissa high court granted the Centre time till July 22, 2025 to submit a more detailed affidavit in response to a PIL alleging widespread misuse of the national emblem of India. Adopted on Jan 26, 1950, the national emblem is based on the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, with the words Satyameva Jayate inscribed below in Devanagari script. A two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M S Raman on Tuesday, granted the time following a request by deputy solicitor general P K Parhi to file the improved affidavit. The PIL, filed by Ganjam-based Alone Trust on Dec 27, 2024, seeks strict action against unauthorised and incorrect usage of the national emblem. The petition highlighted several instances where the emblem is misrepresented, including omission of key elements like the animals and the motto Satyameva Jayate. Advocate Pabitra Kumar Dutta represented the petitioner. The court had earlier expressed dissatisfaction with the Centre's counter affidavit filed on March 12, following its directives dated Jan 22 and Feb 19. "There has to be verification, action taken and report. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Counter will be accepted on adjourned date upon advance copy served," the court stated, setting the next hearing on March 26. I n its Feb 19 order, the HC criticised repeated adjournments sought by the Centre and emphasised the seriousness of the allegations regarding the emblem's misuse. "We do not appreciate prayer for adjournment, earlier obtained for verification and rectification," the bench had observed. The PIL also calls for the inclusion of the national emblem of India in school curricula and campaigns to promote public awareness about its legal, cultural, and symbolic significance. It argues that a lack of awareness is contributing to its misuse across the country. Interestingly, the PIL was filed on Dec 27, 2024, just two days after the Centre proposed stricter regulations, including a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh and jail terms, to curb unauthorised use of national symbols, as well as names and photographs of the President and Prime Minister. Currently, the emblem's usage is governed by two separate laws — the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005, overseen by the ministry of home affairs, and the emblems and names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, enforced by the consumer affairs department. The Centre is reportedly considering merging the two laws under a single administrative authority for better enforcement.
