'No Merit': Karnataka High Court Dismisses PIL Seeking To Correct Placement Of Words 'Satyamev Jayate' In State Emblem

The Karnataka High Court on Thursday dismissed a PIL seeking directions to the State to review and correct the Karnataka State Emblem and ensure full compliance of State Emblem of India (Prohibition Of Improper Use) Act, 2005.

A division bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C M Poonacha dismissed the petition filed by one Gnaneshwara M, seeking to ensure that the script 'Satyameva Jayate' is placed in its "correct statutory position" in the State Emblem, as prescribed in Appendix I and II of the 2005 Act.

The Court however, on going through the records and averments, observed,

“The contention that use of the Karnataka State Emblem falls foul with Section 3 of the State Emblem Act, 2005. We find no merit in the aforesaid contention. Petition is accordingly dismissed.”

Section 3 pertains to Prohibition of improper use of emblem. The Petitioner had sought the respondents to review and correct alleged deviation in home guards uniform cap badge in the emblem. Further, direction was sought to constitute a permanent monitoring committee to ensure ongoing compliance with State Emblem usage laws across all government departments and agencies.

Case Title: GNANESHWARA M AND State of Karnataka & Others

Case No: WP 26229/2025

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 344