Orissa High Court flags misuse of national emblem; appoints amici curiae to push awareness

The Orissa High Court has taken strong note of widespread misuse and improper depiction of India’s State Emblem often missing key elements like the four lions or the motto Satyameva Jayate, and emphasised that both citizens and officials lack awareness of legal norms.

A Bench was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) plea filed by 'Alone Trust', represented through its managing trustee, Danda Santosh Kumar.

To tackle this, the court appointed Senior Advocates Manoj Kumar Mishra and Subir Palit as amici curiae to aid in enforcement and public education under the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005.

A fresh hearing is set for September 2, 2025