06/06/2025
FIR Filed Against Gorkha Seva Sena Leaders for Misuse of Government Logo and Misrepresentation of Facts
Gangtok, 6 June 2025: The Government of Sikkim’s Home Department has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against three individuals—Mr. Noel Sharma, Mr. Bikramadi Rai, and Mr. Subash Mani Singh—associated with the organization Gorkha Seva Sena, based in Darjeeling. The FIR was filed at the Sadar Police Station, Gangtok, citing serious violations involving misrepresentation, illegal use of government insignia, and actions deemed potentially harmful to public order and state integrity.
The FIR highlights two primary grounds:
1. Misrepresentation of an RTI Appeal Hearing: According to the FIR, Mr. Subash Mani Singh attended an RTI appeal hearing on 4 June 2025 before the Home Secretary of Sikkim. However, the individuals later misrepresented the official proceedings during a press conference, falsely portraying it as a discussion with the Home Department. This distortion, the Department claims, was intended to serve personal agendas and could potentially create disharmony among communities in Sikkim.
2. Illegal Use of Government Logo and Theme: The trio has been accused of unauthorized usage of the official logo and commemorative theme—“Sunaulo ani Samriddha Sikkim”—designed for the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s Statehood. The logo, officially notified through Notification No. 75/Home/2024, is restricted for exclusive use by government entities. The logo was used in an invitation card for an event titled “Constitutional Legality of Darjeeling-Sikkim Unification,” raising serious concerns.
The Home Department emphasized that such actions falsely suggest the State Government’s endorsement of the event and its controversial theme. The misuse of symbols, coupled with the sensitive nature of the topic, poses risks of inter-community tension and challenges to public order.
The actions are said to constitute violations under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including:
• Section 152: Acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India;
• Section 196: Promotion of enmity between groups;
• Section 336: Forgery for the purpose of harming reputation or misleading the public.
Additionally, the case invokes Section 3 of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, which prohibits unauthorized use of government insignia.
The Home Department has urged the police to promptly investigate the matter and initiate appropriate legal proceedings. The Department underscored the seriousness of the issue, warning that failure to act could erode public confidence in the neutrality and integrity of the State Government.
