What is the official motto of the Supreme Court of India, as inscribed on its emblem and used to reflect its commitment to justice?

Introduction / Context:
India's Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in the country, and like many institutions, it has an official motto that reflects its guiding philosophy. The motto is taken from ancient Indian scriptures and symbolises the relationship between righteousness (dharma) and victory. This question asks you to identify the correct motto from among several culturally significant Sanskrit phrases, all of which are commonly used in different contexts in India.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is about the official motto of the Supreme Court of India.
• The options are four well known Sanskrit phrases used in various national and cultural settings.
• We assume that the motto appears on the Supreme Court's emblem and official documents.
• The task is to distinguish the Court's motto from other phrases used on the national emblem or in general moral teachings.

Concept / Approach:
The official motto of the Supreme Court of India is “Yato Dharmastato Jayah,” which can be translated as “Where there is dharma (righteousness), there will be victory.” This phrase emphasises that true victory lies in upholding justice and moral order. Other phrases, such as “Satyameva Jayate,” serve as the motto of the Republic of India and are used on the national emblem. Therefore, the correct approach is to differentiate the motto associated specifically with the Supreme Court from these other widely recognised Sanskrit sayings.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Supreme Court's emblem carries a Sanskrit motto distinct from the national emblem's “Satyameva Jayate.”Step 2: Identify “Yato Dharmastato Jayah” as the phrase used by the Supreme Court to stress its allegiance to righteousness and justice.Step 3: Compare the options and verify that option C matches this phrase exactly.Step 4: Recognise that “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah” and “Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavantu” are important moral sayings, but are not the official Supreme Court motto.Step 5: Select “Yato Dharmastato Jayah” as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be done by remembering images or descriptions of the Supreme Court's emblem, which usually show the Ashokan lion capital with the motto “Yato Dharmastato Jayah” inscribed below. Law textbooks, civics material, and competitive exam guides commonly mention this motto when discussing the Supreme Court's role in upholding the Constitution and ensuring justice. This consistent association confirms that option C is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah) is a well known phrase meaning “Dharma protects those who protect it,” but it is not used as the Supreme Court's official motto. Option B (Satyameva Jayate), meaning “Truth alone triumphs,” is the motto of the Republic of India found on the national emblem, not specifically on the Supreme Court's symbol. Option D (Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavantu) is a prayer for the welfare of all people and is not the official motto of the Court.

Common Pitfalls:
Many candidates mistakenly choose “Satyameva Jayate” because of its strong association with justice and national identity. Another pitfall is confusion between various Sanskrit moral sayings, especially when they all relate to dharma, truth, and welfare. To avoid such errors, it is important to memorise clearly that “Yato Dharmastato Jayah” belongs to the Supreme Court, while “Satyameva Jayate” belongs to the national emblem.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Yato Dharmastato Jayah, the official motto of the Supreme Court of India.