SC rejects plea to include Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's name in 1950 Act to prevent its misuse

The petitioner, who was appearing in person, told the bench that he has been researching on Savarkar for the last 30 years and he needed an opportunity to establish certain facts about Savarkar in a legally verifiable manner.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a plea seeking directions to "establish certain facts" about Vinayak Damodar 'Veer' Savarkar and also to prevent misuse of his name.

A bench of Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih rejected the petition filed by Pankaj Phadnis, who appeared in person to argue the matter.

The plea also sought to include Savarkar’s name in the schedule of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1956.

During the hearing, the bench told the petitioner that there is no violation of any of his fundamental rights, therefore, the court cannot interfere. The petitioner contended that he has been researching Savarkar for several years.

The petitioner asked the court to issue directions to the Lok Sabha speaker to include his name in the schedule to the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.

The petitioner also submitted that the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, was violating fundamental duties by making comments against Savarkar.

The court, however, asked him, “What is your fundamental right violation in this? We cannot entertain”.

Refusing to entertain the plea, the bench said, “We do not find any ground to intervene. The relief sought cannot be granted”.

The bench also told the petitioner that if he wanted to include something about Savarkar, then he needed to make a representation to the central government.

The petitioner replied that he has already given such a representation.