The Supreme Court will on Wednesday, November 12, begin hearings in the high-stakes case concerning the Shiv Sena’s iconic ‘Bow and Arrow’ symbol — a dispute that could reshape Maharashtra’s political landscape and influence the outcome of the upcoming civic polls starting December 2, 2025.

The case revolves around a plea filed by Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) chief Uddhav Thackeray, who has challenged the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) February 17, 2023 decision recognising the Eknath Shinde-led faction as the “real Shiv Sena.” The ECI ruling, which followed the party’s dramatic split in 2022, had allowed Shinde’s camp to retain both the name and symbol associated with the late Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy.

A three-judge bench comprising Justices Surya Kant, Ujjal Bhuyan, and Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh is scheduled to hear the matter. The listing came after senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Uddhav Thackeray, urged the court for an expedited hearing citing the approaching municipal elections.

Following the ECI’s 2023 verdict, Uddhav Thackeray’s faction was allowed to contest under the name Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) with a temporary ‘Flaming Torch’ symbol. However, Thackeray’s petition argues that the Commission exceeded its powers by prioritising legislative strength over organisational and ideological continuity — a principle protected under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.

The plea further contends that legislative majority cannot alone determine the party’s authenticity, asserting that Thackeray’s group continues to enjoy broader support within the Maharashtra Legislative Council and Rajya Sabha.

Defending its stance, the Election Commission has maintained that its decision was based on the Shinde faction’s numerical strength in the Assembly — a factor it deemed decisive in establishing party control.