Supreme Court rejects petition seeking removal of Veer Savarkar’s oil portrait from Parliament

New Delhi – The Supreme Court has dismissed a public interest litigation seeking the removal of the oil portrait of Swatantryaveer Savarkar from the Central Hall of Parliament and other public places. The petition was filed by retired civil servant B. Balamurugan. The Court warned Balamurugan that a heavy penalty could be imposed for wasting the Court’s time. The petition also demanded that the government should not honour individuals against whom there are allegations of serious crimes or anti-national activities until they are acquitted.

Supreme Court of India rejects the plea to remove Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s oil painting from Parliament.

Erasing patriots won’t erase history.

Those who file such petitions should be sentenced to Kaala Paani (Cellular Jail) pic.twitter.com/I2YwZd0DTC

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) January 14, 2026

1. Balamurugan had stated that he could not come to Delhi to argue the case due to financial difficulties. Responding sharply, the Court reprimanded him, saying that he was a former civil servant and could come to Delhi to present his case personally. The Court added that it could impose a heavy fine and questioned, “Who do you think you are?”

2. The Court further advised Balamurugan, saying, “Please do not get involved in such controversies. Enjoy your retirement. Play a constructive role in society.” Following these remarks, Balamurugan withdrew the petition.