The Karnataka High Court has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) that sought the recognition of a separate flag for the state. A division bench led by Chief Justice N.V. Anjaria and Justice K.V. Aravind ruled that the issues raised were outside the court’s jurisdiction, labeling the petition as “misconceived.”
The petitioner, Advocate Umapathi S, argued for a state flag amid growing public demand, pointing to an unofficial red and yellow flag used since the 1960s, which he claimed has caused confusion. He contended that the Constitution does not forbid states from having their own flags and urged the government to consider recommendations from an expert committee on the matter.
Although the court rejected the petition, it encouraged the petitioner to continue his advocacy regarding the flag issue. The court wittily remarked, “You have flagged your flag and we have flagged our order,” suggesting that while the petition was dismissed, there are still avenues to address the concerns raised.
