Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a declaration that freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose be recognised as the country’s “national son.” The petitioner had also sought directions to declare that Bose’s Indian National Army (INA) secured India’s independence, and to mark October 21 (INA foundation day) and January 23 (his birth anniversary) as national days. A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant noted that a similar plea filed earlier had already been dismissed by the top court. The bench observed that such matters fall outside the scope of judicial review and can be taken up with the appropriate authority. Expressing disapproval, the judges remarked that the petitioner had refiled the plea “only to gain publicity.” The CJI also cautioned against filing such “frivolous petitions” in future and directed the Supreme Court Registry not to entertain any PILs filed by the petitioner on similar issues. “Ab aap jaiye, nahi toh aur cost laga denge (Now you should leave, otherwise we will impose further costs),” the CJI told the petitioner. In 2022, the Supreme Court had dismissed a similar plea seeking directions to declare a national holiday on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary. A bench then headed by CJI DY Chandrachud and Justice JB Pardiwala had said such decisions lie with the government. “The best way to celebrate his contribution is by working hard just like he worked hard for independence,” Justice Chandrachud had observed, adding that the court’s jurisdiction should not be misused for such petitions.(With ANI inputs)
