The lions in the emblem inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with their ‘mouths open and teeth showing’ appear ‘ferocious and aggressive’, in contrast to the protected state emblem, while the Sarnath Museum, in which the lions appear ‘calm and restrained’ is
Ashoka Emblem Controversy
Central Vista (Center View) Lawyers in the Supreme Court against the above state emblem (Supreme Court) have applied. It has been claimed by lawyers that it was illegally changed. Two advocates-on-record in angry lions dispute against state symbol installed atop Central Vista Building Supreme Courthas filed an application in India claiming that its design is in violation of the State Emblem of India (Prohibition against Inappropriate Use) Act, 2005.
Advocates Aldanish Reen and Ramesh Kumar Mishra have argued in the petition that the lions depicted with their ‘mouths open and teeth bared’ in the symbol inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi look ‘ferocious and aggressive’, in contrast to the protected state symbol, while the Sarnath Museum, In which the lions appear “calm and restrained”. The petition said that the central government has shown gross arbitrariness by altering its design and violating the sanctity of the state symbol.
The state emblem of India is the identity symbol of the Republic of India. Republic of India belongs to our Indians. When this identity is interfered with, it hurts the national sentiments of its citizens. It was designed with Ashoka in mind. According to Section 6(2)(f) of the National Emblem of India (Prevention of Misuse) Act, 2005, the government can make any change in the design of the national emblem if it wishes.
This clause gives the government rights, but it also imposes certain conditions. According to the law, the government is allowed to change the design, but cannot change the entire symbol. The act clearly states that while making any changes to the national emblem care should be taken not to diminish its historical significance.