Work Harder, Don't Seek Holiday: SC While Dismissing PIL Seeking National Holiday On Netaji Subash Chandra Bose's Birthday

Supreme Court today dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) which sought declaration of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose's birth anniversary i.e. January 23 as a national holiday.

The Bench of CJI Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice JB Pardiwala expressed displeasure on the waste of judicial time caused by the filing of such PILs and termed it a "mockery of the PIL jurisdiction". 

"This is a matter for the Government of India. What will Supreme Court Do? Take jurisdiction of the Court seriously. You are also a lawyer", the Court said.

The Chief Justice also said that the anniversary can be celebrated by working harder like how Netaji worked for India's independence, instead of seeking a holiday.

It is to be noted that the Union Government in January 2021 issued a notification to celebrate Netaji's birthday on January 23 every year as "Parakram Diwas" to inspire people of the country, especially the youth.

The Writ Petition was filed as a Public Interest Litigation under Article 32 of the Constitution to declare Netaji Subash Chandra Bose's birth anniversary on January 23 as a national holiday and raise a memorial hall and Museum to Netaji Subash Chandra Bose in New Delhi and other capitals of all States of India.

The petition was filed by one KK Ramesh who claimed to be doing social work and help to poor people for education and slum rehabilitation.

Further, the plea says that the "Government of India should honour and announce High National Award of Bharat Ratna award to Netaji Subash Chandra Bose".

The petition says that Netaji had a confrontation with Mahatma Gandhi, who opposed Netaji's presidency, splitting the Indian National Congress party. "Bose attempted to maintain unity, but Gandhi advised Bose to form his own cabinet. The rift also divided Bose and Nehru. Bose appeared at the 1939 Congress meeting on a stretcher. He was elected president again over Gandhi's preferred candidate Pattabhi Sitaramayya. U. Muthuramalingam Thevar strongly supported Bose in the intra-Congress dispute. Thevar mobilised all south India votes for Bose.[46] However, due to the manoeuvrings of the Gandhi-led clique in the Congress Working Committee, Bose found himself forced to resign from the Congress presidency", the petition said.

 Cause Title: KK Ramesh v. Union of India & Ors.