Archive · 13 Jan 2026
SC Rejects PIL on Savarkar Portraits
A retired government officer named B Balamurugan filed a petition in the Supreme Court asking to remove pictures of a historical figure, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, from Parliament and other public places.
The court, led by the Chief Justice, was not happy with the petition and called it a waste of time.
They asked the petitioner why he couldn't come to court in person and mentioned that he could be fined for filing a frivolous petition.
The petitioner had previously been in trouble for going on a hunger strike.
Feeling that the court was not in his favor, the petitioner decided to withdraw his case.
The court then allowed him to do so.
The Supreme Court rejected a PIL seeking the removal of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's portraits from Parliament and public spaces.
The court warned the petitioner, B Balamurugan, of exemplary costs for filing a frivolous petition.
The bench questioned the petitioner's background and service record, including his last posting and departmental action.
Balamurugan sought to withdraw the petition after sensing the court's displeasure.
The court granted permission to withdraw the petition, advising the petitioner to engage in constructive activities.
- Who
- B Balamurugan, a retired IRS officer, and the Supreme Court of India
- What
- A PIL seeking the removal of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's portraits from Parliament and other public spaces was rejected
- When
- On Tuesday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Supreme Court of India, New Delhi
- Why
- The court deemed the petition frivolous and warned of exemplary costs
Petitioner's View
Court's View
Frivolous Petition
Petitioner's View
The petitioner believed the PIL was in the public interest.
Court's View
The court deemed the petition frivolous and a waste of judicial time.
Petitioner's Background
Petitioner's View
The petitioner claimed no corruption allegations existed and cited a 2009 hunger strike for departmental action.
Court's View
The court questioned the petitioner's background and service record, implying a lack of credibility.
- Petitioner
- B Balamurugan, retired IRS officer
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Bench Composition
- Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, Justice Vipul M. Pancholi
- Petition Details
- Removal of Savarkar portraits from Parliament and public spaces
- Court's Warning
- Exemplary costs for frivolous petition
- Petitioner's Background
- Faced departmental action after 2009 hunger strike
- Outcome
- Petition withdrawn by petitioner
