AIMPLB Seeks Withdrawal of Mandatory Vande Mataram Singing

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Thursday demanded the withdrawal of a central government directive mandating the recitation of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram in schools and at official functions, terming the order “unacceptable” and contrary to constitutional principles. The Board also warned that it would move to court if the notification was not revoked.

The reaction came after the Union Home Ministry issued a directive stating that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram shall be sung at educational institutions and official events. The order has triggered debate over its constitutional validity and implications for religious freedom.

In a post on X, the AIMPLB said the notification is “unconstitutional, against religious freedom, secular values, and contrary to the Supreme Court’s judgement.” The Board argued that compelling individuals to recite all verses of the song infringes upon the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

Also Read: Jamiat Labels Mandatory Vande Mataram Order Attack on Religious Freedom

Explaining its position, the Board stated that Muslims worship only one God, Allah, without any partner, and that Islam does not permit associating partners with God in any form. It further claimed that certain verses of Vande Mataram are inconsistent with secular values, adding that courts in the past have addressed the scope of its recitation in public institutions.

Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, holds the status of India’s national song and has historically been associated with the freedom movement. While it has symbolic significance, debates over its mandatory recitation have surfaced periodically, reflecting broader discussions on secularism, religious freedom and constitutional interpretation in India.

Also Read: Jamiat Labels Mandatory Vande Mataram Order Attack on Religious Freedom