The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, has issued a notification highlighting the improper use of the State Emblem of India by various government agencies and unauthorized individuals.
The State Emblem of India, an adaptation of the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka, consists of three lions mounted on the abacus, with a Dharma Chakra at the center, a bull on the right, a galloping horse on the left, and the motto “Satyameva Jayate” inscribed in Devanagari script below the profile of the Lion Capital. Its design is governed by the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005.
However, the MHA has observed that several government entities using the emblem on official stationery, publications, seals, and websites often omit the motto “Satyameva Jayate,” thereby displaying an incomplete version of the emblem.
The ministry stressed that such omissions violate the 2005 Act, as the emblem is considered incomplete without the motto inscribed in Devanagari script.
Additionally, the MHA noted unauthorized usage of the State Emblem by individuals and organizations on stationery and vehicles, which contravenes both the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005 and the State Emblem of India (Regulation of Use) Rules, 2007.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has therefore urged all authorized government agencies to use the State Emblem of India for various official purposes depicting the complete ‘State Emblem’ together with the motto ”Satyameva Jayate”- in Devanagari script- inscribed below the profile of Lion Capital, as provided in the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005.
Government agencies have also been asked to ensure that no unauthorized use of the State Emblem of India is made on stationery, vehicles etc. by the individuals/authorities. It added that strict action should be taken against concerned officials (for incomplete display of the State Emblem of India) and individuals/organizations (who are using State Emblem of India unauthorizedly) for any violation of the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005 and the State Emblem of India (Regulation of Use) rules, 2007.