PIL against ‘Satyamev Jayate’ words used in TV show dismissed

In a relief to actor Aamir Khan and Star TV, the Bombay High Court today dismissed a public interest litigation taking objection to the use of words ‘Satyamev Jayate’ in their television programme.

“Under the State Emblem of India (Prohibition and Improper Use) Act and State Emblem of India (Regulation of Use) Rules, prohibition is only for the use of the Emblem as a whole and not the motto ‘Satyamev Jayate’ separately,” a division bench of justices A S Oka and A A Sayyed said today.

The bench dismissed the PIL filed by activist Manoranjan Roy, who claimed that use of the words ‘Satyamev Jayate’ for trade purposes and gain is violative of the Act and Rules.

“There is no merit in the petition to show that the programme’s logo is an imitation of the Emblem. Hence sections 3 and 4 of the Act are not attracted,” the court said.

Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh, appearing for the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and Information and Broadcasting, earlier told the court that the words ‘Satyamev Jayate’ are only the motto of the Emblem.

“Use of Emblem as a whole is specifically prohibited under the Act. Use of the motto is not prohibited,” he said.

The petitioner’s lawyer, however, argued that even the use of the motto attracts violation under the Act, and hence should be prohibited.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs in its affidavit filed earlier had said the use of the phrase ‘Satyamev Jayate’ was not violative of the Act and Rules.

“The Act and Rules prohibit improper use of the State Emblem of India as a whole. There is no provision which prohibits the use of its part like ‘Satyamev Jayate’, the lion, the bull, the horse and so on,” said the affidavit filed by Pradeep Pandey, Under Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs.

Inputs from PTI

Also Read: AAMIR KHAN RESUMES ‘DANGAL’ SHOOTING IN YOUNG AVATAR

Amod Pandit

Quiet, resonant, and creative, he can be seen immersed in his own world, and puts in his heart and soul into the one passion that he has, Bollywood. His line for survival? Feel happy to be a part of it.