Supreme Court rejects PIL against use of Tricolor by political parties

The Supreme Court today refused a PIL against political parties using the Indian National Flag (Tricolour) with their party's symbols. 

A plea was filed seeking directions to the Centre and the Election Commission to take effective steps to prevent any political party or religious group from using the national flag for “partisan or religious purposes”.

CJI BR Gavai led bench also comprising Justices K Vinod Chandran and NV Anjaria was told that parties like the Indian National Congress were violating the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act by using flags similar to the national flag but replacing the Ashoka Chakra with their symbols.

"Some parties are doing it before Independence. Dismissed.”, CJI Gavai said in response to the petitioner appearing in person before court.

It was further alleged that parties were displaying their own political logos or symbols in the centre of the flag, which is against the rules of using the national symbol and disrespects the Tricolour.

Case Title: ANJAY BHIMASHANKAR THOBDE Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS

Hearing Date: July 22, 2025

Bench: CJI Gavai, Justice Vinod Chandran and Justice NV Anjaria