NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday decided to examine on July 14 a plea by Shiv Sena (UBT) on allocation of 'bow and arrow' symbol to Eknath Shinde led Shiv Sena, on the ground local body elections in Maharashtra may be announced soon.
On February 17, 2023, the Election Commission recognised Shiv Sena led by ex Chief Minister Shinde as the real party and allotted it the 'bow and arrow' symbol, in terms of Symbols Order formulated by the poll panel, in exercise of its power under Article 324 of the Constitution read with Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
On Tuesday, senior advocate Devadatt Kamat on behalf of Shiv Sena (UBT), mentioned the matter before a bench of Justices M M Sundresh and K Vinod Chandran for urgent hearing.
Kamat submitted that local elections are going to be announced anytime next week.
"We are seeking some ad interim directions like it was issued in NCP matter. The symbol has been awarded to them," he said.
A counsel appearing for Shiv Sena led by former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde submitted two elections have been held. Similar plea was mentioned before a bench led by Justice Surya Kant and it was rejected.
"Even if election is notified, it is after all against the High Court's order," the bench said.
On this, Kamat said, "No no this is a symbol dispute. Matter is pending here for two years."
"If it is pending then no problem, no rights will go. What is the urgency," the bench asked.
The counsel submitted it was ultimately a question of people's choice.
The court then agreed to post the matter for consideration on July 14, 2025.
