Teen moves HC against disrespect to National Emblem

A 16-year-old girl moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday,demanding action against those showing disrespect to the National Emblem. Deepshikha Singh,a resident of Sector 48-A and a student of Class X at the Sacred Heart School,argued in person before a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Mukul Mudgal and Justice Jasbir Singh.

The division bench appreciated the effort of the girl and issued notices to the Union of India and States of Punjab,Haryana and Chandigarh. Deepshikha,in the public interest litigation (PIL),sought directions to prohibit states from showing disrespect to the National Emblem by using it on number plates of vehicles,which are affixed on bottom of the vehicles,violating the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper use),Act 2005 and Rules. The PIL further demanded directions to the states to prescribe a proper and respectful place on vehicles of dignitaries to affix the National Emblem or any other state or provincial emblem or signia containing National Emblem.

Appreciating the effort,the Chief Justice complimented Deepshikha. On a query,she informed the Court that she had taken a leave from the school to argue the PIL. She clarified that her uncle Ravi Sharma,who is an advocate,helped her in drafting the PIL. The Court made it clear to the girl that she need not skip her school to attend the court,as the case can be argued by her uncle in future. Advocate Ravi Sharma has been appointed as amicus curiae in the case. The litigation expenses for the case will be borne by the state Legal Services Authority,UT.