Supreme Court to hear plea on Shiv Sena's symbol on July 14

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to consider on July 14 a matter concerning the dispute between Shiv Sena and Shiv Sena (UBT) on allocation of 'bow and arrow' symbol, in view of ensuing local body elections in Maharashtra.

A bench of Justices M M Sundresh and K Vinod Chandran considered a plea for urgent hearing made by senior advocate Devadatt Kamat on behalf of Shiv Sena (UBT).

Kamat submitted that local elections are going to be announced anytime next week.

"We are seeking some ad interim directions like it was issued in NCP matter. The symbol has been awarded to them," he said.

A counsel appearing for Shiv Sena led by former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde submitted two elections have been held. Similar plea was mentioned before a bench led by Justice Surya Kant and it was rejected.

"Even if election is notified, it is after all against the High Court's order," the bench said.

To this, Kamat said, "No no this is a symbol dispute. Matter is pending here for two years."

"If it is pending then no problem, no rights will go. What is the urgency," the bench asked.

The counsel submitted it was ultimately a question of people's choice.

The court then agreed to post the matter for consideration on July 14, 2025.

On February 17, 2023, the Election Commission had recognised Shiv Sena led by 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.