New Delhi, Oct. 27: The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought the Centre’s response to a plea seeking equal status for ‘Vande Mataram’ and the national anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’. The court also agreed to tag the matter with similar petitions pending before it.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana issued notice to the Centre on a plea filed by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay. The petition seeks the transfer of a related public interest litigation (PIL) from the Delhi High Court to the Supreme Court because a similar writ petition is already pending before the top court.
Vande Mataram Equal Status Plea Seeks National Policy
The petition, filed through advocate Ashwani Dubey, argues that ‘Vande Mataram’ represents India’s history, sovereignty, unity and national pride. It calls on the government to formulate a national policy to promote and propagate the song.
The PIL also seeks directions to the Centre and the Delhi government to ensure that both ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ are played and sung in schools and educational institutions on every working day.
The petitioner has argued that the absence of specific guidelines has led to the song being presented in an inappropriate manner and used in films and at parties. The plea maintains that ‘Vande Mataram’ played a significant role in India’s freedom struggle and deserves respect comparable to the national anthem.
It also refers to a statement made by Constituent Assembly Chairman Rajendra Prasad in 1950 regarding the song’s significance.
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The petition further argues that ‘Vande Mataram’ should not be dramatised or included in variety shows. It contends that people present should show due respect whenever the song is played or sung.
The Supreme Court has sought the Centre’s response. The notice does not amount to a final ruling on the demand for equal status, and the matter remains under consideration.
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