The Modi government is considering drafting a formal protocol to ensure that the national song Vande Mataram is accorded the same respect as the national anthem. According to a report, the issue was discussed in detail during a high-level meeting convened by the Ministry of Home Affairs earlier this month.
While the Constitution of India accords equal respect to both the national anthem and the national song, there is a significant difference in terms of legal and mandatory protocols. Currently, standing during the national anthem is compulsory, and any insult to it attracts punishment under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. However, there is no such legal obligation or written rule requiring people to stand during the singing of Vande Mataram.
Rules and Protocols Under Discussion
According to The Indian Express, which cited sources, the Home Ministry meeting deliberated on rules, guidelines and appropriate ways of showing respect to the national song. Discussions reportedly focused on whether clear norms should be laid down regarding the time, place and manner of singing Vande Mataram.
The meeting also examined whether standing during the national song should be made mandatory, similar to the national anthem, and whether penalties or legal action should be introduced for those found disrespecting it.
Political Context and Past Controversies
The move comes at a time when the Modi government is marking a year-long celebration of Vande Mataram. The BJP has accused the Congress of diminishing the importance of the national song due to what it describes as appeasement politics.
The issue has its roots in history, with certain verses of Vande Mataram being dropped during the Congress session in 1937. The BJP has alleged that this approach laid the groundwork for Partition, a claim the Congress rejects, accusing the BJP of distorting history. In recent years, several petitions have been filed in courts seeking a framework for Vande Mataram similar to that of the national anthem.
In 2022, the Modi government informed the Supreme Court that no penal provisions had so far been issued for the national song. Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Vande Mataram emerged as a powerful rallying cry during the Swadeshi movement of 1905–08. The government is now seeking to restore it to what it considers its original position of national pride.
