Supreme Court seeks Centre's reply on equal status for Vande Mataram

The Supreme Court sought the Centre's response to transferring the Vande Mataram status plea. The case could determine guidelines governing the song's official status and observance.Stock photo used for illustrationNewdelhi,Oct 27, 2026 12:58 ISTThe Supreme Court on Tuesday sought the Centre's response to a plea seeking the transfer of a public interest litigation from the Delhi High Court to the top court. The PIL seeks equal status for 'Vande Mataram' and the national anthem, news agency Press Trust of India reported.A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued notice to the Centre on the plea filed by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay. The court tagged the matter with similar petitions.The plea, filed through advocate Ashwani Dubey, said the PIL should be transferred to the Supreme Court because a similar writ petition is pending before it.According to PTI, the plea said, "'Vande Mataram' is the symbol of our history, sovereignty, unity and pride. If any citizen by any overt or covert act shows disrespect to it, it would not only be an anti-social activity, but it would also spell doom to all our rights and very existence as a citizen of a sovereign nation." "Every citizen must, therefore, not only refrain from such activities but also do his best to prevent if any miscreant shows any disrespect to 'Vande Mataram'. We must be proud of our nation, our Constitution, national anthem and national flag and put national interest above our personal interests and only then will we be able to protect our hard-earned freedom and sovereignty. It is the duty of the executive to frame a national policy to promote and propagate 'Vande Mataram'," the plea said.The PIL seeks to ensure that the song is honoured and given a status equal to the national anthem. The petitioner has also sought directions to the Centre and the Delhi government to ensure that 'Jana Gana Mana' and 'Vande Mataram' are played and sung in all schools and educational institutions on every working day.The petition contended that, in the absence of guidelines or regulations on honouring the song, 'Vande Mataram' is being sung in an "uncivilised manner" and misused in films and at parties.The petitioner said the song played a historic role in India's freedom struggle and should be honoured as much as 'Jana Gana Mana', citing a statement made by Constituent Assembly Chairman Rajendra Prasad in 1950."To keep the country united, it is the government's duty to frame a national policy to promote-propagate 'Jana Gana Mana' and 'Vande Mataram'. There is no reason why it should evoke any other sentiment, as both are decided by the Constitution makers," the petition said."The sentiments expressed in 'Jana Gana Mana' have been expressed keeping the State in view. However, sentiments expressed in 'Vande Mataram' denote the nation's character and style and deserve similar respect," it added.The petition also asserted that 'Vande Mataram' should not be dramatised or included in any variety show because everyone present must show due respect and honour whenever it is sung or played.The Supreme Court has now asked the Centre to respond to the transfer plea and linked the matter with similar petitions concerning the status and observance of 'Vande Mataram'.- Ends