The Supreme Court today dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed seeking a declaration that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army (INA) secured India’s independence, along with prayers to declare Netaji as “National Son” and mark key INA dates as national observances.

A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi noted that similar petitions had been filed earlier and termed the present plea an “attempt to gain popularity”.

During the hearing, the CJI questioned the petitioner’s conduct, asking, “So, is this a new season or do you fight every year?” and further pointed out the failure to disclose prior proceedings: “Didn’t you have to disclose it?”

When the petitioner insisted, “This is a fresh PIL, sir… not a similar PIL,” the Court remained unconvinced. In a sharp remark, the CJI warned, ‘Supreme Court me Entry Band Kar Denge.’

Observing that the issues raised did not fall within judicial review and that the “foundational facts are identical,” the Court held that no case to entertain this petition is made out. It dismissed the PIL and directed the Registry not to entertain any further petitions by the petitioner claiming to be in the public interest.