Supreme Court Rejects Plea Against BJP's Use of Lotus Symbol

The Supreme Court dismissed a plea seeking an injunction against the BJP's use of the 'kamal' or lotus symbol. The bench observed that the plea was filed for publicity. The judgment upheld the Madhya Pradesh High Court's decision, which had previously dismissed the suit for lack of merit.

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea seeking an injunction against the BJP, restraining it from using the 'kamal' or lotus symbol as its party emblem.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Prasanna B Varale observed that the plea was filed for publicity, thus upholding the Madhya Pradesh High Court's decision to dismiss the suit.

You want name and fame for yourself. Look at the plea, what is the kind of relief claimed by you? Dismissed,' the bench remarked.

The appeal, filed by Jayant Vipat, challenged an earlier ruling by the Madras High Court, which had found no merit in the plea.

Initially, the District Judge in Dewas had dismissed the suit, prompting an appeal to the high court.

This court is of the considered opinion that the trial court has properly evaluated all grounds raised by the appellants. No illegality or perversity has been committed by the trial court while passing the order for dismissal of the civil suit due to the default of requisite court fees,' noted the high court.

Vipat argued that BJP, as a political party, is not entitled to draw benefits available under the Peoples Representation Act, 1951.

(With inputs from agencies.)