The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a directive emphasising the mandatory inclusion of the ‘Satyameva Jayate’ motto in Devanagari script alongside the National Emblem of India.
The emblem, derived from Emperor Ashoka’s Lion Capital at Sarnath, features three lions, a Dharma Chakra, a bull, a galloping horse, and the motto inscribed below. This directive addresses concerns over incomplete or unauthorised use of the emblem by government institutions and individuals.
The National Emblem, a symbol of India’s sovereignty, is governed by the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005, and the State Emblem of India (Regulation of Use) Rules, 2007, amended in 2010. The MHA has noted that many government entities, while using the emblem on stationery, publications, seals, vehicles, buildings, and websites, often omit the ‘Satyameva Jayate’ motto, rendering the depiction incomplete. Such omissions violate the 2005 Act, which mandates the emblem’s complete representation as specified in Schedules 1 and 2.
Additionally, the MHA has observed unauthorised use of the emblem by individuals and entities not permitted under the law. The ministry has clarified that only authorised government bodies may use the emblem, and its usage is strictly regulated for official purposes. Unauthorised use of stationery, vehicles, or other platforms is a punishable offence.
Violations of the Act, including incomplete depiction or unauthorised use, can lead to severe penalties. Under Section 3, offenders may face imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both. Repeat offenders could face a minimum of six months’ imprisonment, extendable to two years, along with fines. For violations under Section 4 involving improper commercial use, penalties include a minimum of six months’ imprisonment, extendable to two years, and a fine of up to ₹1,000.
The MHA has urged all authorised government institutions to ensure the emblem is displayed in its entirety, including the ‘Satyameva Jayate’ motto in Devanagari script, as per legal guidelines. The ministry has also called for vigilance to prevent unauthorised use.
The Joint Secretary of the MHA has sent a letter addressing these concerns to Chief Secretaries of all states, Chief Administrators of Union Territories, and Secretaries of various ministries and departments. Further details are available on the MHA’s website, www.mha.nic.in.
The ministry’s directive underscores the importance of preserving the integrity of India’s National Emblem, a symbol of truth and sovereignty, and ensuring its respectful and lawful use across all platforms.
