Overview
- A bench led by Justice Surya Kant, sitting with Justice Joymalya Bagchi, posted the Shiv Sena and NCP symbol disputes for final hearing on January 21, 2026, at 11:30 am, with scope to continue on January 22.
- The Court decided to hear both matters together after noting overlapping legal issues in challenges to Election Commission orders on party names and symbols.
- During the pendency, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) may continue using the name and ‘flaming torch’ symbol, while the Shinde-led faction retains recognition and the ‘bow and arrow’ under the ECI’s 2023 decision.
- In the NCP matter, the Sharad Pawar group remains on the interim ‘man with the turha (trumpet)’ symbol as the Ajit Pawar group uses the official ‘clock’ with disclosures that the issue is sub judice.
- Uddhav Thackeray’s petition contests the ECI’s February 17, 2023 order favoring Eknath Shinde’s faction, arguing the Commission overemphasized legislative strength over organisational and ideological continuity, an approach the ECI defends as reflecting Assembly realities.