Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Supreme Court to Decide Shiv Sena Symbol, Name Case
The Supreme Court is going to decide who gets to use the name and symbol of the Shiv Sena party.
There are two groups claiming to be the real Shiv Sena: one led by Uddhav Thackeray and the other by Eknath Shinde.
The symbol in question is a bow and arrow.
The court has been looking at this case for four years.
The Election Commission had earlier said that Eknath Shinde's group is the real Shiv Sena.
Now, the Supreme Court will hear the final arguments and make a decision.
If the court gives the symbol and name to Uddhav Thackeray, Eknath Shinde's group might have to join another party, like the BJP.
This decision could also change the results of the recent Mumbai city elections.
The Supreme Court will hear the case to decide who gets the Shiv Sena name and bow and arrow symbol.
The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, with final arguments on January 21 and 22.
The Election Commission had previously recognized Eknath Shinde's group as the real Shiv Sena.
If the symbol and name are given to Uddhav Thackeray, Eknath Shinde's group may have to merge with the BJP.
The decision could impact the results of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
- Who
- Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, Supreme Court, Election Commission
- What
- Case to decide the ownership of the Shiv Sena name and bow and arrow symbol
- When
- Final hearing begins on Wednesday, with final arguments on January 21 and 22
- Where
- Supreme Court of India
- Why
- To resolve the dispute over the legitimate use of the Shiv Sena name and symbol
Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena
Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena
Legitimacy of the Faction
Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena
Uddhav Thackeray's faction argues that they still control the Sena leadership bodies and the disqualification petitions against Shinde's MLAs are pending, which should have been considered by the Election Commission.
Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena
Eknath Shinde's faction claims to represent the majority of the Sena MLAs and has been recognized by the Election Commission as the 'real' Shiv Sena.
Political Ideology
Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena
Uddhav Thackeray's faction believes in continuing the alliance with the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party, which aligns with their political ideology.
Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena
Eknath Shinde's faction aligns with the Bharatiya Janata Party, which they believe better represents the Sena's political ideology.
Symbol and Name
Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena
Uddhav Thackeray's faction seeks to reclaim the Shiv Sena name and the bow-and-arrow symbol, arguing it is their rightful heritage.
Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena
Eknath Shinde's faction aims to retain the Shiv Sena name and the bow-and-arrow symbol, as they have been recognized by the Election Commission and have used it in recent elections.
- Parties Involved
- Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena
- Symbol in Question
- Bow and Arrow
- Hearing Date
- Wednesday
- Case Duration
- 4 years
- Final Hearing Dates
- January 21 and 22
- Election Commission Ruling
- Eknath Shinde-led party as the real Shiv Sena
- Potential Outcomes
- Symbol and name given to Uddhav Thackeray or frozen
- Political Implications
- Possible merger with BJP, changes in BMC election results
Sources
Supreme Court all set to hear Sena symbol, party name case on Wednesday
Shinde Sena corporators check out after Gazette notification; Shinde meets BJP leaders in Delhi
'Will 'Real' Shiv Sena Please Stand Up'? Top Court's 'Final' Symbol Row Hearing
Mumbai Mayor Race Intensifies As Eknath Shinde Stakes Claim, Sanjay Raut Alleges Phone Tapping
Former Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar to lead Sena (UBT) corporators in BMC
Month After Thackeray Reunion, Team Raj Backs Shinde Sena In Key Civic Body
MNS extends support to Shinde faction in Kalyan Dombivli civic body
Raj Thackeray's MNS offers support to Sena-BJP in KDMC
The gaonwallah legacy: Local families continue dominance over PCMC House
MNS joins hands with Shinde-led Shiv Sena in KDMC, Sanjay Raut slams move as ‘betrayal’
New equation: 5 MNS corporators offer support to Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena in Kalyan Dombivli
Mumbai Mayor Race: Shinde Stakes Claim as 'Tribute'; Uddhav Sena Alleges Phone Tapping of Corporators
MNS Corporators Offer Support to Shinde's Shiv Sena in Kalyan Dombivli
In Shinde’s Thane bastion, local BJP leaders seek respectful share in controlling civic body
Mumbai mayor race heats up: Shiv Sena and BJP eye post amid Opposition’s phone tapping allegations
BJP flexes muscles in Shinde's home turf, seeks bigger role
