Representation should be made before the authority concerned, the court told the petitioner

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a PIL seeking a direction to the Centre to rename India as ‘Bharat’ and said that a representation be made before the authority concerned.

A bench comprising Chief Justice H L Dattu and Justice A K Sikri asked petitioner Niranjan Bhatwal to first approach the authorities concerned with an appropriate representation.

The court made it clear that it can be approached only after a representation is made to the government and a decision is taken.

“You (Bhatwal) can come to us only after the authorities have responded to your representation or choose not to respond,” it said.

The court then dismissed the plea as withdrawn and gave liberty to the petitioner to move a fresh plea in case the government refuses to respond or it is rejected.