Shiv Sena symbol row case: SC takes exception to 'irresponsible statements' by politicians

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday took exception to “irresponsible statements” of some politicians alleging non-hearing of the Shiv Sena symbol row case in the top court.

“Why are these petty politicians making statements...We will issue a warning – be careful of using the words," a bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, said as the matter concerning the dispute between Shiv Sena and Shiv Sena (UBT) over the allocation of the 'bow and arrow' symbol came before the court.

The CJI told the counsel, appearing for the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, that parties before it had sought dates in the matter and then statements were being made that the apex court was not deciding the case.

"As if the apex court is not deciding the case...We want to catch hold of everyone. We will issue a warning – be careful of using the words," the bench said.

“I am not a person who will accept this kind of conduct. Here, you do not want to argue. There you want to make a statement," the CJI said.

Senior advocate Devadutt Kamat, representing the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, said whenever the court fixes the day, they will argue the matter.

The bench told him then argue today.

“When the matter is taken up, you say fix a date…why these petty politicians are making statements," the bench asked.

Kamat said the matter was shown today on the list for directions. “We expect cooperation from both sides," the bench said.

He said whenever the court has a couple of hours, the matter can be fixed and both sides can make submissions.

“Next date you can start, meanwhile the others can join. Now, it will go in July only," the bench said.

Kamat said they have no issue in beginning the arguments on the matter, as they have been waiting for three years, and whenever the court fixes the date, they will argue the matter.

"We will fix the date. Our only concern is that whatever delay has happened before at any stage of the hearing. These irresponsible statements are being made. That is not something…," the bench said.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Eknath Shinde side, said, “I have been hearing that. Our side hasn’t done it. But anyway. It should not be made by any side. We know the pressure upon the court….this (these statements) is completely unacceptable.”

“We are sitting till 4 o'clock. If somebody finds us sitting idle, we understand that," the bench said.

Rohatgi said there is no question. “As lawyers, we will never support such a statement made by any party," he said, as the court fixed the matter for hearing on July 30.

The matter arose out of an order of February 17, 2023 by the Election Commission, which had recognised Shiv Sena led by former Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as the real party and allotted it the 'bow and arrow' symbol, in terms of Symbols Order formulated by the poll panel, in exercise of its power under Article 324 of the Constitution read with Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.