Vande Mataram Row Reaches Supreme Court over Six Stanzas, Centre Asked to Respond Within 2 Weeks
The court will examine whether criminal penalties for skipping the full song violate secularism and fundamental rights, after petitioners said the mandate is arbitrary.
- On Tuesday, the Supreme Court heard a petition by Carnatic musician T M Krishna challenging the Centre's 2026 mandate requiring six stanzas of Vande Mataram at official functions.
- Krishna's petition contends that the 2026 amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act is arbitrary, arguing mandating all six stanzas—which invoke Hindu deities—violates India's secular character.
- While the Supreme Court will examine penal consequences under Articles 25 and 26, Additional Solicitor General Aravind Kamath argued the Union government holds exclusive authority to determine the official version.
- The top court directed the Centre to provide a response within two weeks and indicated it must scrutinize whether failing to sing the full version can legally attract criminal punishment.
- Tensions surrounding the rendition persist beyond the courtroom; on Monday, Karnataka Assembly legislators protested state restrictions by singing all six stanzas instead of the mandated two.
16 Articles
16 Articles
SC seeks Centre's response on Carnatic musician's plea challenging penal protection for Vande Mataram
The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Centre to respond to a plea by Carnatic musician T M Krishna challenging penal provisions linked to singing Vande Mataram, while indicating that its 1986 Bijoe Emmanuel judgment should protect conscientious objectors from criminal consequences.
Vande Mataram row: SC asks Centre to address religious conscience
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday, September 22, told the Centre to keep in mind its 1986 judgment, which protected children from penal actions for not singing the national anthem, as it sought a response to a plea by Carnatic musician TM Krishna challenging the penal protection to Vande Mataram. A bench comprising Chief … Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News, Technology, Entertainment, Sports, Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp…
SC Seeks Centre’s Reply to Plea Against Mandate to Sing All 6 Vande Mataram Stanzas at Public Gatherings
Get latest articles and stories on India at LatestLY. The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought the Centre’s response to a plea challenging the mandate requiring all six stanzas of Vande Mataram to be sung at public gatherings. India News | SC Seeks Centre’s Reply to Plea Against Mandate to Sing All 6 Vande Mataram Stanzas at Public Gatherings.
Vande Mataram row: High Court refuses to stay Karnataka’s 2-stanza order
Citing related proceedings pending before the Supreme Court, the Karnataka High Court refused to pass an interim stay on the state government's order mandating the singing of only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram.
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