Calcutta High Court Comments On Vande Mataram In Madrasas During Hearing
HC comments on Vande Mataram debate.
The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday observed that "heavens will not fall" if all six stanzas of Vande Mataram are sung in madrasas, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging a West Bengal government notification that made the rendition of the complete national song mandatory in such institutions. The court questioned whether reciting a verse associated with another faith or tradition could affect an individual's religious identity. A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen made the remarks during the hearing of the petition, which was argued by senior advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya.
The PIL challenged the state government's decision requiring madrasas to include the complete version of Vande Mataram as part of their activities. During the proceedings, the Acting Chief Justice addressed concerns raised regarding the religious implications of reciting the national song. The court questioned whether simply saying a verse or quote that does not originate from one's own religious tradition would change a person's religious identity or beliefs. "Heavens will not fall... today if I am asked to utter a quote that is not in my religion... what will happen? I will become a person not belonging to that religion?" the Acting Chief Justice remarked during the hearing.
The observations came while the court was examining arguments surrounding the balance between cultural expressions, institutional regulations and individual religious freedom. The petitioners have challenged the mandatory requirement, raising concerns about whether such directions could conflict with constitutional protections related to religion and personal choice. Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the late 19th century, holds a significant place in India's freedom movement and was later accorded the status of the country's national song.
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The song's first two stanzas are generally recognised as having been adopted as the national song, while the remaining stanzas have been a subject of discussion and debate over religious references and interpretation. The issue has previously led to public discussions over the relationship between national symbols and religious sentiments. Supporters of mandatory recitation argue that Vande Mataram represents patriotism and national unity, while critics have raised concerns about compulsory participation and the protection of individual beliefs.
The West Bengal government's notification making the complete national song mandatory in madrasas prompted legal scrutiny, with the petitioners seeking judicial intervention against the directive. The High Court is examining the arguments presented by both sides before deciding on the matter. The court's remarks during the hearing highlighted the broader constitutional question of how educational institutions should approach national symbols while respecting India's religious diversity. The matter remains pending before the Calcutta High Court, which will consider the legal challenges and responses from the concerned parties before passing further orders.
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