The case was heard by a division bench of the Odisha High Court, consisting of Acting Chief Justice Arindam Sinha and Justice Mruganka Sekhar Sahoo. In the preliminary hearing, the court issued notices to both the central and Odisha state governments, asking them to provide their responses.
India celebrated the 128th birth anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose today, honoring the great freedom fighter. During these celebrations, a petition was submitted in the Odisha High Court, asking to declare Bose as the “Rashtraputra” or “Son of the Nation.”
The petition also requested that October 21, 1943, the day the Indian National Army (INA) was established, be observed as a “National Day.“
The case was heard by a division bench of the Odisha High Court, consisting of Acting Chief Justice Arindam Sinha and Justice Mruganka Sekhar Sahoo. In the preliminary hearing, the court issued notices to both the central and Odisha state governments, asking them to provide their responses.
The petition was filed by Pinak Pani Mahanti, a social worker from Cuttack. He argued that Subhas Chandra Bose’s unparalleled sacrifices for India’s independence justify bestowing the honorific title “Rashtraputra.”
Mahanti emphasized, “Bose’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle are unmatched, and his legacy deserves formal recognition.”
Additionally, the petition sought official acknowledgment of the Indian National Army’s founding day, stating that it marked a pivotal moment in India’s journey to independence.
“The establishment of the INA under Bose’s leadership was a turning point in the freedom movement,” the petition noted.
Another significant aspect of the plea was a request to disclose all facts related to Subhas Chandra Bose’s mysterious disappearance. The petitioner specifically asked for the findings of the Justice Mukherjee Commission to be made public and for the Vishnu Sahay Commission’s report to be nullified.
Mahanti stated, “The truth about Bose’s disappearance remains hidden, and it’s time the government provides clarity to the nation.”
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The petitioner revealed that prior efforts had been made to address these issues.
“Memorandums were sent to the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Home Affairs, but no substantial action has been taken,” he said.
Consequently, Mahanti decided to approach the High Court for intervention.
The Odisha High Court has scheduled the next hearing for February 12, 2025. Until then, responses from the central and state governments are awaited.
This petition has brought Subhas Chandra Bose’s contributions and unresolved mysteries surrounding his life and disappearance back into the spotlight. It has also reignited discussions about recognizing pivotal moments in India’s freedom struggle, such as the establishment of the Indian National Army.
