SC in dock for distorting national emblem

Filmmaker and social activist Ulhas P R has raised alarm on the Supreme Court distorting the national emblem of three lions mounted on the abacus by omitting the motto "Satyameva Jayate" (Truth alone triumphs) and replacing it with a message "Yato Dharmasto Jai" that means "no victory without justice."

He noticed this distorted emblem in the courtrooms as also on the Supreme Court's website and the entry pass he got as a visitor and complained to the home ministry as the authority to entertain any violation of of the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act and State Emblem of India (Regulation of Use) Rules, 2007.

In his complaint, Ulhas said: "How can an institution which is meant to take care and protect law be allowed to go against the emblem code which mandates inscription of Satyamev Jayate along with the state emblem. Kindly take some action and rectify the error."

The home ministry forwarded the complaint to the law and justice ministry, which informed Ulhas that "the grievance has been forwarded to the Secretary General, SC."

Taking this lapse as serious, the Law Ministry noted that "various government agencies which are using the state emblem on their stationery, publications, seals, vehicles, buildings and websites often omit the motto 'Satyamev Jayate" depicting only the profile of the three lions." It stressed that the state emblem of India is incomplete without the motto below the profile of the lion capital. Incomplete display of the state emblem is a violation of the state emblem of India, he said.

While the Supreme Court is studying the issue and may put it before the Chief Justice of India for appropriate action, the ministry has already shot out a circular: "Suitable instructions in this regard may please be issued to all concerned agencies and wide publicity in this regard be made along with its advertisement in the electronic and print media. Strict action should be taken against concerned officials for incomplete display of State emblem o India for any violation."