The Delhi High Court has deferred a decision, granting additional time to the Centre to formulate its stance on a plea that proposes amending the Constitution to replace the name ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ or ‘Hindustan’. The matter, presided over by Justice Sachin Datta, has been rescheduled for further hearing on March 12.
This legal query originated with a petitioner, Namaha, who initially approached the Supreme Court with the proposal. In 2020, the apex court instructed that the petition be considered as a representation by the relevant ministries. Subsequent to the absence of any decisive action from the authorities on this representation, Namaha filed the plea in the high court, seeking a judicial directive for a prompt decision.
During the recent hearing, the Centre’s counsel requested additional time to acquire necessary instructions, leading to the adjournment. The plea criticizes the name ‘India’ as a relic of colonial legacy, arguing that ‘Bharat’ or ‘Hindustan’ more aptly reflects the nation’s culture and traditions. It suggests these changes could help the citizens shed colonial connotations.
Specifically, the plea calls for an amendment to Article 1 of the Constitution, which currently reads, “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of states.” The proposal aims to formally change this to “Bharat/Hindustan, as a Union of states.” During the 1948 Constituent Assembly debates, there was significant support for these names, which the petitioner claims aligns with current sentiments to revitalize national identity consistent with Indian ethos, highlighted by recent city renamings across the country.
