Shiv Sena poll symbol row: Supreme Court to hear Uddhav Thackeray faction’s plea in August

Noting that the matter had been pending for a long time, the court, however, said it will hear and decide the main case itself instead of the interim prayer. “The only solution is we decide the main case. Somewhere in August we will adjust it. We will notify the date in evening. We will give the exact date of listing of the matter later as we don’t want to clash with other cases,” Justice Kant said.

Appearing for the Uddhav faction, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal sought expeditious disposal in view of the local body polls.

Senior Advocate Neeraj Kishan Kaul, who appeared for the Shinde group, pointed out that the SC had previously refused an urgent hearing in the matter.

The Election Commission of India had on February 17, 2023, recognised the Eknath Shinde group as the official “Shiv Sena” and permitted it to use the”Bow & Arrow” symbol. It also allowed the Uddhav Thackeray faction to use the name “Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)”, and the symbol of “flaming torch”.