The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a plea seeking the installation of the National Emblem (Ashok Chakra) on the main dome of the apex court building, making it clear that decisions concerning what is displayed on the court’s premises fall within its own administrative jurisdiction.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant dismissed an appeal filed by petitioner-in-person Badaravada Venugopal, also known as Baba Khatarnak. During the hearing, the Chief Justice remarked that the Supreme Court would itself decide what should be installed at its entrance and advised the petitioner to focus on other pressing issues.
Background Of The Dispute
Venugopal had originally approached the Supreme Court under Article 32 of the Constitution, seeking directions for the installation of the National Emblem on the apex court’s main dome. He argued that the issue related to the constitutional identity of courts.
On March 23, the Supreme Court disposed of the writ petition, observing that the matter was essentially administrative in nature rather than one requiring judicial adjudication. It directed the Secretary General of the Supreme Court to place an appropriate note before the competent authority for consideration.
Appeal Against Registrar’s Order
Following that order, the petitioner filed an application seeking information on the status and implementation of the administrative directions issued on March 23 regarding the proposed installation of the National Emblem.
According to the court record, the application was lodged by the Registrar on July 3 under the Supreme Court Rules, 2013. Venugopal subsequently challenged the Registrar’s order by filing an appeal, which was listed before the Bench on Tuesday.
Court Declines To Interfere
The Bench declined to interfere with the Registrar’s order and rejected the appeal. It indicated that decisions regarding installations or displays on the Supreme Court premises are matters to be handled on the administrative side by the court itself, and not through judicial intervention.
