Insta
The Supreme Court of India. (Photo by Sonu Mehta/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
Hearing a petition seeking direction to the Centre to amend the Constitution and change the name of the country from India to Bharat, Chief Justice of India S A Bobde told the petitioner on Wednesday (3 June) that India is already called Bharat in the Constitution.
While declining to entertain the plea, the top court said the petition could be considered as a representation to the government.
A bench headed by the CJI and comprising Justices A S Bopanna and Hrishikesh Roy asked the petitioner's counsel, "Why have you come here? India is already called Bharat in the Constitution."
Advocate Ashwin Vaish, appearing for the Delhi-based petitioner, argued that the plea sought amendment to Article 1 of the Constitution.
To which, the CJI replied, "We can't do that."
He reiterated that India is already called Bharat in the Constitution. Vaish argued that the English name India did not represent the culture and tradition of the country; instead, its origin is Greek, and it is derived from the word Indica.
Vaish said that historically there are many examples where Bharat Mata ki Jai was used, and urged the top court to allow him to make a representation before the appropriate ministries. The top court said that this particular petition be treated as a representation by the Centre.
The plea claimed that this will ensure citizens of the country to get over the colonial past and instil a sense of pride in the nationality.
The petitioner argued that the time is ripe to recognise the country by its original and authentic name 'Bharat', especially when the cities have been renamed in accordance with Indian ethos.
The plea said, "The removal of the English name though appears symbolic, will instil a sense of pride in our nationality, especially for the future generations. In fact, the word India being replaced with Bharat would justify the hard fought freedom achieved by our ancestors."
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest