Centre mulls applying national anthem rules to ‘Vande Mataram’; no decision yet: Reports
New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs is reportedly discussing whether the same rules and regulations that apply to the national anthem should also govern Vande Mataram, India’s national song, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the song’s composition.
As a result, citizens may soon be required to stand for the national song, just as they do when Jana Gana Mana is played, as per media reports.
Petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court and various high courts seeking to extend these protocols to the national song. The government has maintained that current rules apply solely to Jana Gana Mana.
No formal decision has yet been taken on the matter.
The history and significance of Vande Mataram
Vande Mataram, a Sanskrit phrase meaning “I bow to you, Mother,” carries deep national, spiritual, and cultural significance. Written as a hymn in Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s novel ‘Anandamath’, it became a rallying cry for Indian freedom fighters during the struggle against colonial rule. First sung by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 Congress Session in Calcutta, it was officially adopted as India’s national song in 1950.
Current legal framework
At present, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 applies only to the national anthem. Article 51(A) of the Constitution similarly mandates respect for the anthem, but there are no legal provisions requiring citizens to stand or participate in singing Vande Mataram.
Detailed guidelines for the national anthem specify the duration, mandatory standing, and participation. Violating these protocols can result in up to three years in prison. Officials are now examining whether similar penalties could be applied to Vande Mataram.
Centre of political debate in Parliament
The national song has been at the centre of political debate, particularly during the Winter Session of Parliament in December last year, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked its 150th anniversary. BJP leaders have criticised the Congress party for truncating the original six-stanza hymn. Currently, only the first two stanzas are officially sung.
The BJP has also highlighted historical correspondence from Jawaharlal Nehru, suggesting the original verses were altered to avoid offending minority communities. Former BJP chief JP Nadda has urged that Vande Mataram be accorded equal status to the national anthem and the national flag.