On Monday, the Supreme Court declined to hear a Public Interest Litigation that sought official recognition of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army as the primary force behind India’s independence.
The petition also requested that Bose be declared the ‘National Son’ and that his birth anniversary on January 23, along with the INA’s foundation day on October 21, be formally recognised as national observances.
A Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi refused to entertain the plea, noting that similar petitions had come before the court earlier and that the court had dismissed them.
During the hearing, the Bench questioned the petitioner about repeated filings on the same issue and expressed concern over the misuse of the PIL mechanism.
The court said judicial proceedings cannot decide such matters, which involve historical interpretation and political recognition.
The judges also instructed the court registry not to accept further petitions from the same individual on similar grounds, citing a pattern of repeated filings.
In addition to recognition-related demands, the plea had sought directions to convert Bose’s birthplace in Cuttack into a national museum.
The court reiterated that questions relating to history and symbolic recognition fall outside its jurisdiction, stressing that such decisions lie within the domain of the executive or legislature.
Earlier Petition on Bose Remains
The ruling follows an earlier instance in March when the apex court declined to examine a separate petition concerning the return of Bose’s remains from Japan. That matter withdrawn after the Bench signalled its reluctance to intervene.
On that occasion, the court had also said Bose’s family, particularly his daughter Anita Bose Pfaff, should ideally pursue any legal claim.
While acknowledging Netaji’s historical significance, the court cautioned against repeated legal attempts to seek declarations on issues not suited for judicial determination.
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