Bharat Or Hindustan: SC To Hear Plea Seeking Officially Renaming 'India' On June 2

On June 2 the Supreme Court will hear a petition seeking direction to the Centre to amend the Constitution and replace the term India with 'Bharat' or 'Hindustan,' arguing that it will 'instill a sense of pride in our own nationality.

The petitioner argues that it will help the country get over its colonial past. The plea argues that the name “India” is symbolic of English rulers, a symbol of slavery and a relic of British Raj.

The PIL seeks for an amendment to Article 1 of the constitution. The article 1 currently states – “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States”. The PIL hopes to change it to “Bharat / Hindustan is a Union of States”.

In this plea, the petitioner - Namah, has also sought enforcement of the fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution which entitles every citizen equal right to call his or her own country as 'Bharat', as per reports.

Moreover, he had contended that the Union Government has failed to do away with the symbol of slavery by using the name ‘India’ instead of Bharat or Hindustan. He has also pointed out to the many pleas which have sought the same and the government's inaction to do so, justifying his reason to approach the apex court, state reports.