The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has stated that the State Emblem of India, an adaptation from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Asoka, is the official seal of the Government of India. It includes three lions mounted on the abacus, with a Dharma Chakra in the centre, a bull on the right, a galloping horse on the left, with the motto “Satyameva Jayate” in Devanagari script below the profile of the Lion Capital. The design is outlined in the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005. 

However, the Ministry has stated that various government agencies which are using the State Emblem of India on their stationery, publications, seals, websites etc., often omit the motto, “Satyameva Jayate”, and are only depicting the profile of the lion capital. Further, the design of the State Emblem of India is not in conformity with the design set out in the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of improper Use) Act, 2005. 

It has stated that the State Emblem of India is incomplete without the motto “Satyameva Jayate” inscribed (in Devanagari script) below the profile of the Lion Capital and incomplete display of the State Emblem of India is a violation of the aforesaid Act. It also stated that various individuals/authorities who are not authorized to use the State Emblem of India, are using the same on the stationery, vehicles etc. and has informed that the use of the State Emblem of India is restricted to the authorities/purposes specified in 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/organisations (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.

(DIPR)