SC refuses to entertain PIL seeking removal of Savarkar portraits, warns of costs
New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a PIL seeking the removal of portraits of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar from Parliament and other public spaces, warning the petitioner of exemplary costs before allowing the plea to be withdrawn.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi cautioned the petitioner, retired Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer B Balamurugan, against filing what it described as a frivolous petition and indicated that heavy costs could be imposed for wasting the court’s time.
"This kind of frivolous petition… shows the mindset," the CJI said.
The bench was irked by the petitioner's submission that he could not come to argue the case in person because of financial constraints.
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"You were in the IRS. You can afford to come to Delhi and show yourself and argue. We would like to impose exemplary costs on you. What do you think of yourself?” the CJI said.
Balamurugan, in his PIL (public interest litigation), sought directions for the removal of portraits of the historical figure from the Central Hall of Parliament and other public spaces.
Additionally, the plea sought a direction to restrain the government from honouring individuals chargesheeted for heinous crimes such as assassination or anti-national activities unless they are acquitted.
During the hearing, the CJI questioned the petitioner’s background and service record, including his last posting before retirement and the circumstances under which he was denied promotions.
Asked whether he faced corruption charges, Balamurugan replied in the negative, stating instead that he had faced departmental action after undertaking a hunger strike in 2009 for “peace in Sri Lanka”.
Calling the petition an abuse of the judicial process, the bench asked the petitioner whether he wished to proceed or withdraw the case.
“Please don’t indulge in all this. Enjoy your retirement now. Have some constructive role in society,” the CJI remarked.
Sensing the outcome, Balamurugan sought permission to withdraw the petition, which was granted.
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Siddaramaiah rejects CM change speculation after meeting Rahul Gandhi
Mysuru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday dismissed media speculation about a possible change in the state’s leadership, reiterating that he will abide by the Congress high command’s decision.
Speaking to reporters after briefly meeting top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at the airport, Siddaramaiah said there was no confusion within the party regarding leadership issues. He clarified that he did not hold any political discussions with Rahul Gandhi during the meeting.
"No discussion has taken place today, and none is scheduled for the evening. He (Rahul Gandhi) is en route to Gudalur in Tamil Nadu and will return here later to fly back to Delhi. I will see him off again," Siddaramaiah said.
Responding to questions about media reports on a possible leadership change, the CM said, "What speculations? You (the media) are the ones speculating. There is no such issue within the party. This question itself is baseless."
Addressing rumours of confusion over a potential Cabinet reshuffle, he added, "Where is the confusion? These are discussions in newspapers and media; there is no such thing in the party."
Speculation over a leadership tussle has intensified since the Congress government completed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, fueled by the reported "power-sharing" arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar at the time of the government’s formation in 2023.
Commenting on reports that legislators were giving dates for a leadership change, Siddaramaiah said, "Either D K Shivakumar or I would speak on this issue, as we are the ones who know. Have we spoken? No. In fact, legislators are not discussing it now; it is you (the media) who are discussing it."
When asked about Shivakumar and his supporters referencing promises regarding power transfer, he said, "When was this said? They have not said anything; you are creating it. Ultimately, we will abide by whatever the high command decides."
On the issue of MLAs publicly commenting on his tenure, Siddaramaiah said, "MLAs don’t know the details. The high command has not informed them. The decision will be taken as per the high command."
Referring to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s earlier remark that local leaders should resolve leadership issues, the CM said, "Shivakumar and I have had discussions and even visited each other’s homes for breakfast. We agreed to abide by the high command’s decision."
Siddaramaiah added that he would not be going to New Delhi immediately to discuss the proposed Cabinet reshuffle with the Congress leadership.
