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 reports. While the Constitution of India grants equal respect to both the national anthem and the national song, there is currently no uniform protocol governing the rendition of Vande Mataram.
Rules and protocols under discussion
Reports indicate that rules, guidelines and appropriate ways of showing respect to the national song were discussed at a high-level meeting convened by the Ministry of Home Affairs earlier this month. The deliberations reportedly focused on whether clear norms should be framed regarding the time, place and manner of singing Vande Mataram.
The meeting also examined whether standing during the rendition of the national song should be made mandatory, on the lines of the national anthem, and whether penalties or legal action should be prescribed in cases of disrespect.
At present, standing during the national anthem is compulsory, and any insult to it is punishable under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. However, there is no such statutory requirement or written rule mandating people to stand during the singing of Vande Mataram.
Political context and past debates
The reported move comes amid a year-long celebration of Vande Mataram being observed by the Modi government. The BJP has accused the Congress of undermining the national song due to what it calls appeasement politics.
The issue has historical roots, with certain verses of Vande Mataram being dropped during a Congress session in 1937. The BJP has alleged that this approach contributed to the circumstances leading to Partition, a claim strongly rejected by the Congress, which has accused 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. The subject also figured prominently in the latest Parliament session, where a debate lasting nearly 10 hours was held on the national song.