Standing for Vande Mataram like the national anthem, Modi govt considering same for national song

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The Modi government is considering  drafting a formal protocol to ensure that the national song Vande Mataram  gets the same respect as the national anthem, as per reports. The Constitution of India gives equal respect to both the national anthem and the national song.

Rules and protocols under discussion

According to the reports, the  rules, guidelines, and appropriate ways of showing respect to the national song was discussed in detail during a high-level meeting convened by the Ministry of Home Affairs earlier this month. 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.

Whereas the Constitution of India gives equal respect to both the national anthem and the national song. 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.

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 the recent Parliament session, there was a 10-hour debate on the Vande Matram song.