Stories
Supreme Court Rejects Tushar Mehta's 'Vande Mataram' Argument, Issues Notice to Govt.
- •The Supreme Court heard a petition challenging the mandatory singing of all stanzas of 'Vande Mataram'.
- •Solicitor General Tushar Mehta's arguments were dismissed, with the Supreme Court siding with the petitioner.
- •The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the central government, seeking a response within two weeks.
- •The petition, filed by Karnataka musician T.M. Krishna, challenges the constitutional validity of the 2026 amendment to the 'Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971'.
- •It also challenges Ministry of Home Affairs directives mandating all six stanzas of the song in government programs.
Key Questions Answered
The Supreme Court heard a petition filed by Karnataka musician T.M. Krishna challenging the constitutional validity of the 2026 amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which granted legal protection to 'Vande Mataram'. The petition also challenges Ministry of Home Affairs directives mandating the singing of all six stanzas of the song in government programs.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta requested the Supreme Court not to issue a notice, arguing that doing so would promote sensationalism. He also contended that the decision on whether two stanzas or six stanzas should be sung rests solely with the government and no one else.
The Supreme Court issued a notice to the central government and ordered it to submit a response regarding the petition within two weeks. During the hearing, the Court appeared to agree with the petitioner's stance that public opinions should have been sought regarding the mandate.
