National Emblem on Supreme Court Dome | SC says issue falls under Administrative Domain, not Judicial Review

The Supreme Court closed proceedings on a plea seeking directions for installation of the National Emblem atop the Apex Court’s main dome, holding that the matter does not warrant judicial adjudication. A Bench led by the Chief Justice of India clarified that such infrastructural and symbolic decisions fall within the administrative domain of the institution, not writ jurisdiction. The ruling effectively redirects the request to internal administrative consideration, underscoring the Court’s preference to avoid judicial orders on matters of institutional architecture and symbolism.

The petition, filed by a party-in-person, sought a writ of mandamus directing the Union of India and the Supreme Court registry to ensure installation of the National Emblem on the main dome of the court building, citing constitutional and statutory compliance under the State Emblem framework.

It was contended that appropriate structural or technical arrangements should be made to facilitate such installation in accordance with law. During hearing, the Chief Justice indicated that the Court was already in the process of planning a new building and such suggestions could be considered in that broader administrative exercise, while questioning the maintainability of seeking judicial directions for the present structure.

The Bench firmly clarified that the issue raised was administrative in nature and not fit for adjudication under writ jurisdiction. The Chief Justice observed, “This issue you could write to me on the administrative side, instead of filing a petition,” and further added that the matter could be revisited in the context of the upcoming court building project. Emphasising procedural propriety, the Court stated that institutional design-related decisions should not be brought through litigation.

The Bench accordingly disposed of the petition, directing that a note be placed before the competent authority via the Secretary General for appropriate consideration on the administrative side.

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