In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, dismissed a petition on Monday that sought to replace the term “Hindutva” with “Bharatiya Samvidhanatva” or “Indian Constitution.” The plea, presented by Dr. S.N. Kundra, argued for the change on the basis of the term’s implications on Indian identity and governance, suggesting that it aligns more closely with the secular and democratic values enshrined in the Constitution.
The bench, which also included Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, was unyielding in its decision, with CJI Chandrachud remarking, “No sir, we will not entertain this,” effectively shutting down any further discussion on the matter. He characterized the plea as a “complete abuse of the process,” highlighting the judiciary’s stance on maintaining the established discourse surrounding “Hindutva.”
“Hindutva,” a term deeply embedded in India’s political and social landscape, has historically been linked to the ideology of Hindu nationalism, promoting Hindu values within the political domain. The petitioner, Dr. Kundra, sought to shift this narrative towards “Bharatiya Samvidhanatva,” which emphasizes the principles of secularism, equality, and democracy as fundamental to Indian identity.
Despite Dr. Kundra’s efforts to make additional submissions in support of his argument, the court’s swift rejection underscores a broader judicial reluctance to engage in redefining key ideological elements that shape national identity. This decision comes amidst ongoing debates on the influence of religious nationalism in the country, reflecting the complexity and sensitivity of such issues within India’s socio-political context.
