PIL filed before Delhi High Court for placement of Indian Flag, statue of Justice inside courtrooms

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking directions for the placement of the Indian Flag and Justice Statue inside the courtroom and outside the court complex at the main entrance of all district courts in Delhi, including the High Court of Delhi, reports ANI.

The plea stated that "people have faith and trust in the judiciary and come with high hopes. Courts are referred to as 'Temples of Justice', and the main and foremost form of judicial approach is the status of Justice, which is the first image that comes to mind when the words law and justice are used, but it is disheartening to say that neither the Indian flag nor the statue of justice is placed on the benches of the judges in any courts of Delhi, including the High Court of Delhi or the Supreme Court of India".

The same plea was previously withdrawn after the Delhi High Court was not convinced by the petitioners' arguments.

The fresh petition stated that "the 75th Anniversary of Indian Independence, or Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, is being celebrated in India and around the world. The Government of India decided to commemorate India's 75th anniversary of independence and pay tribute to freedom fighters. The overall celebrations started on March 12, 2021, and will last until August 15, 2023". The petition is part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration.

Petitioners Rajkishor Prasad Kushwaha and Shrikant Prasad contend that placing Indian flags and statues of justice inside courtrooms will instill enthusiasm in all court stakeholders and offenders, potentially changing criminal behavior and transforming them into spirited law-abiding citizens.

“National flags are intended to protect the country's identity and foster national pride. Their distinct designs and colors embody each country's distinct personality and proclaim the country's distinct existence. Thus, all nations agree that a national flag is significantly vital”, the plea added.

The plea further stated that "the court may consider the request in the aspect of courage, confidence, and reduction of crimes as the statute of justice symbolizes fair and equal administration of the law, free of corruption, favor, greed, or prejudice. According to criminologists' theories, the spirit of patriotism and nationalism will emerge in an individual's mind after observing the enthusiastic view of the courts and surroundings that are filled with pride".

Furthermore, the plea stated that in major developed countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, Canada, Italy, Brazil, and Switzerland, the National flag, statue of the Lady of Justice, and national symbols are displayed on both sides of the judges.

It added that if the tricolor flag, the idol of the Goddess of Justice on the table, and Satyamev Jayate are all kept, this will awaken the people's minds and will work in declination towards committing a crime as well as a kind of positive energy in the court.

“After its inauguration on January 28, 1950, the mother and child statue on the front lawns of the Supreme Court of India, with the child holding an open book and the symbol of the weighing balance representing law and justice. The structure is designed to resemble scales of justice. The Central wing of the building is the scaled Centre Beam, but it is very small in size and not visible to the layperson”, the plea read.