Supreme Court Dismisses PIL Seeking ‘National Son’ Status for Subhas Chandra Bose

April 20, 2026 : The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation seeking to confer the title of “National Son” on Subhas Chandra Bose and to declare key dates associated with him as national days.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi declined to entertain the plea filed by Pinakpani Mohanty, noting that similar petitions had already been considered and rejected earlier.

The petition had sought official recognition of January 23, Bose’s birth anniversary, and October 21, marking the 1943 formation of the Indian National Army government, as national days. It also urged the Court to direct that Bose’s birthplace in Cuttack be developed into a national museum.

During the hearing, the Bench questioned the petitioner about filing a similar plea in the past. While dismissing the PIL, the Court reiterated its concern over the increasing trend of petitions seeking declarations on historical and political matters, observing that such issues fall outside the domain of judicial adjudication.