Supreme Court Makes Key Remarks on Singing Vande Mataram

The Supreme Court heard a petition filed by renowned Carnatic musician T.M. Krishna challenging the requirement to mandatorily sing all six stanzas of Vande Mataram. During the hearing, the court indicated that questions concerning how much of the song an individual should sing involve personal conscience and freedom. Krishna has challenged the Centre’s directive related to the mandatory recitation of all six stanzas.

The petition also raises the issue of taking punitive action against those who do not sing all the stanzas. The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Centre and directed it to respond within two weeks. The court will further examine the legal protection accorded to Vande Mataram and the Centre’s directive regarding its full recitation.