The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a direction to the Central Government to frame specific guidelines for the display of the Ashoka Chakra on the National Flag. A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, dismissed the petition, advising the petitioner to focus on constructive social work instead of litigating over “emotional” issues.
The bench, which also included Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, addressed the petitioner who appeared in person to argue the case. During the hearing, the petitioner presented a photograph of an Ashoka Chakra installed at a roundabout in Varanasi to highlight perceived irregularities or the need for standardized display protocols.
However, the Court remained unimpressed by the grievance. CJI Surya Kant remarked that while the petitioner’s intentions might be well-meaning, the matter did not warrant judicial intervention.
“There is no need to be so emotional about these things. Your idea is good. You have informed the authorities. Now it is for the authorities to see what they want to do,” the CJI told the petitioner.
The bench emphasized that the judiciary’s time should be spent on more pressing social issues. Refusing to pass any directions to the Centre or other authorities, the Court encouraged the individual to channel their energy into more impactful endeavors.
“You do some constructive work for society,” the bench observed while bringing the proceedings to a close.
The dismissal signals the Court’s reluctance to step into the domain of administrative guidelines regarding national symbols when the authorities have already been apprised of the suggestions.
