Bhubaneswar: The Orissa High Court has raised strong concerns about the widespread illegal use of India's national symbol, the State Emblem. The court stressed an urgent need for better public understanding and stricter adherence to the law protecting this important national symbol. 
A special two-judge panel, led by Chief Justice Harish Tandon and including Justice Murahari Sri Raman, addressed this critical issue last week. They reviewed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) case filed by the 'Alone Trust'. The Trust's managing trustee, Danda Santosh Kumar, presented evidence showing many instances where people or groups improperly used the State Emblem of India.
The State Emblem, adapted from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, is a powerful symbol representing India's sovereignty and integrity. Its use is strictly regulated by the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005. This law prohibits anyone from using the emblem incorrectly or without official permission.
The High Court judges carefully examined the evidence of misuse presented in the PIL. They acknowledged their power to order legal action against individuals or organizations breaking this law. However, the judges highlighted a more fundamental problem needing attention.
"The Court certainly possesses the authority to direct legal proceedings against anyone violating this Act or misusing the State Emblem," the judges stated. "However, we believe tackling the larger issue is essential. We must prevent future misuse. This requires spreading awareness widely among all citizens of Odisha, including government officials, about the correct and legal way to use the State Emblem."
Essentially, the court recognized that simply punishing offenders after the fact is insufficient. A proactive approach focused on educating the public and officials about the emblem's significance and the legal rules governing its use is crucial for long-term protection.
To help achieve this goal of stopping misuse and building widespread awareness, the High Court appointed two highly respected legal experts as advisors (Amicus Curiae) in the case:
The court will revisit this important matter on September 2, 2025. This next hearing will likely review the initial proposals from the appointed advisors and determine the next steps for launching awareness campaigns and ensuring better compliance with the State Emblem Act across Odisha. The court's strong stance sends a clear message: protecting national symbols like the State Emblem requires collective responsibility and informed action from every citizen and official.
A special two-judge panel, led by Chief Justice Harish Tandon and including Justice Murahari Sri Raman, addressed this critical issue last week. They reviewed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) case filed by the 'Alone Trust'. The Trust's managing trustee, Danda Santosh Kumar, presented evidence showing many instances where people or groups improperly used the State Emblem of India.
The State Emblem, adapted from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, is a powerful symbol representing India's sovereignty and integrity. Its use is strictly regulated by the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005. This law prohibits anyone from using the emblem incorrectly or without official permission.
The High Court judges carefully examined the evidence of misuse presented in the PIL. They acknowledged their power to order legal action against individuals or organizations breaking this law. However, the judges highlighted a more fundamental problem needing attention.
"The Court certainly possesses the authority to direct legal proceedings against anyone violating this Act or misusing the State Emblem," the judges stated. "However, we believe tackling the larger issue is essential. We must prevent future misuse. This requires spreading awareness widely among all citizens of Odisha, including government officials, about the correct and legal way to use the State Emblem."
Essentially, the court recognized that simply punishing offenders after the fact is insufficient. A proactive approach focused on educating the public and officials about the emblem's significance and the legal rules governing its use is crucial for long-term protection.
To help achieve this goal of stopping misuse and building widespread awareness, the High Court appointed two highly respected legal experts as advisors (Amicus Curiae) in the case:
- Mr. Manoj Kumar Mishra, Senior Advocate and President of the Orissa High Court Bar Association.
- Mr. Subir Palit, Senior Advocate.
The court will revisit this important matter on September 2, 2025. This next hearing will likely review the initial proposals from the appointed advisors and determine the next steps for launching awareness campaigns and ensuring better compliance with the State Emblem Act across Odisha. The court's strong stance sends a clear message: protecting national symbols like the State Emblem requires collective responsibility and informed action from every citizen and official.
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