Delhi High Court Issues Notice On PIL Against Use Of Acronym ‘INDIA’ By Opposition Parties

The Delhi High Court on Friday issued notice on a public interest litigation against the use of acronym I.N.D.I.A (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) by newly formed alliance of 26 opposition political parties 

A division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Amit Mahajan sought response from the Union Government through Ministries of Home Affairs and Information and Broadcasting, Election Commission of India and 26 political parties.

“This has to be heard. It requires hearing,” the bench said as Bharadwaj’s counsel began making submissions and listed the matter for hearing on October 21.

Bharadwaj has said he is aggrieved by “non-observance” and no action taken on the representation given by him to the Election Commission of India on July 19 against the 26 political parties who formed the new alliance.

“That till date Election Commission of India did not take any action to prevent the respondent political parties to use the acronym I.N.D.I.A for their political alliance, hence the petitioner left with no other option, except to file this Writ Petition,” the plea states.

The plea seeks a direction on the political parties to not use the acronym I.N.D.I.A. and also on the Election Commission of India and the Union Government to take necessary action in the matter.

The plea states that the parties have kept the name of the alliance as I.N.D.I.A. only to take undue advantages in the upcoming general elections in 2024.

“…these all practice to use acronym I.N.D.I.A. (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) / INDIA of respondent political parties are only to attract and gain sympathy and votes of the innocent citizen and to use as a tool for political benefit and also to give a nudge or a spark which may lead to political hatred which eventually will lead to political violence,” it adds.

Furthermore, Bharadwaj has said that the acronym I.N.D.I.A being the essential part of the national emblem cannot be used for any professional, commercial purpose and political purpose, which amounts to violation of Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, and relevant Rules.

“…the selfish act of these political parties may adversely affect the peaceful, transparent and fair casting of votes during the upcoming general election of 2024 which may expose the citizens to unwarranted violence and also affect the law and order of the country,” the plea states.

Title: Girish Bharadwaj v. Union of India & Ors.