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Demand to remove Savarkar's photos: Supreme Court dismisses petition, reprimands petitioner
Wednesday, January 14, 2026: The Supreme Court today dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) demanding the removal of the portrait of freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar from various public places, including the Parliament House. The court severely reprimanded the petitioner, retired IRS officer B. Balamurugan. The court also expressed displeasure over the filing of such petitions.
A bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi warned the petitioner that he could be fined for wasting the court's time. Justice Suryakant said that the mentality behind filing such a petition is inappropriate.
When the petitioner stated that he could not come to Delhi due to financial difficulties, the court expressed its anger. "You were an IRS officer, you can come to Delhi and present your case. We can impose a heavy fine on you. What do you think of yourself?" the court said.
What was the demand in the petition?
Along with the removal of Savarkar's photos, the petition demanded that the government should not honor individuals accused of serious crimes or anti-national activities until they are acquitted.
The court stated that the petition was a violation of the judicial process and asked the petitioner whether he wanted to pursue the petition or withdraw it. The Chief Justice said, "Please do not get involved in such controversies. Spend your time after retirement happily and contribute positively to society." Following this, Balamurugan withdrew the petition, and the matter was closed.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026: The Supreme Court today dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) demanding the removal of the portrait of freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar from various public places, including the Parliament House. The court severely reprimanded the petitioner, retired IRS officer B. Balamurugan. The court also expressed displeasure over the filing of such petitions.
A bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi warned the petitioner that he could be fined for wasting the court's time. Justice Suryakant said that the mentality behind filing such a petition is inappropriate.
When the petitioner stated that he could not come to Delhi due to financial difficulties, the court expressed its anger. "You were an IRS officer, you can come to Delhi and present your case. We can impose a heavy fine on you. What do you think of yourself?" the court said.
What was the demand in the petition?
Along with the removal of Savarkar's photos, the petition demanded that the government should not honor individuals accused of serious crimes or anti-national activities until they are acquitted.
The court stated that the petition was a violation of the judicial process and asked the petitioner whether he wanted to pursue the petition or withdraw it. The Chief Justice said, "Please do not get involved in such controversies. Spend your time after retirement happily and contribute positively to society." Following this, Balamurugan withdrew the petition, and the matter was closed.
A bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi warned the petitioner that he could be fined for wasting the court's time. Justice Suryakant said that the mentality behind filing such a petition is inappropriate.
When the petitioner stated that he could not come to Delhi due to financial difficulties, the court expressed its anger. "You were an IRS officer, you can come to Delhi and present your case. We can impose a heavy fine on you. What do you think of yourself?" the court said.
What was the demand in the petition?
Along with the removal of Savarkar's photos, the petition demanded that the government should not honor individuals accused of serious crimes or anti-national activities until they are acquitted.
The court stated that the petition was a violation of the judicial process and asked the petitioner whether he wanted to pursue the petition or withdraw it. The Chief Justice said, "Please do not get involved in such controversies. Spend your time after retirement happily and contribute positively to society." Following this, Balamurugan withdrew the petition, and the matter was closed.
