Supreme Court junks PIL seeking to declare Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose as 'national son'

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain a public interest litigation seeking a declaration that freedom fighter Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army secured independence for the country.

The petitioner also sought to declare Netaji as the “national son” and to observe October 21, 1943 (INA's foundation day) and January 23 (his birth anniversary) as national days.

A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi dismissed the plea after noting that a similar PIL filed earlier by the same petitioner had already been dismissed by the court earlier, with the observation that such issues fall outside the scope of judicial review and may be taken up with the appropriate authority.

The bench pointed out despite its earlier stance, the petitioner had refiled the plea only to gain publicity. The CJI also cautioned the petitioner against filing such frivolous petitions in the future and warned of imposing costs.

"Go or we will impose cost,'' the CJI told the petitioner.

The court further directed its Registry not to entertain any PILs filed by the petitioner on similar issues.

The court had earlier in 2022 dismissed a similar PIL seeking direction to declare a national holiday on the birth anniversary of Netaji.