‘Vande Mataram has its place, can’t be on par with Jana Gana Mana’

The Centre’s response came on a public interest litigation  seeking equal status for the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ written by poet Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. 

Seeking dismissal of the PIL, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) told a bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal that the plea that ‘Vande Mataram’ be treated on par with ‘Jana Gana Mana’ cannot be accepted. 

“While being the authoritative symbols of Indian states, the national flag and the anthem, equally loved and respected, need codification. 

“‘Vande Mataram’ occupies a unique and special place in the emotions and psyche of the people of India, that requires no formal support or codification,” MHA said in its recent affidavit. 

It said the legal protection is not the only way to ensure that creative work is respected. “Protection under the law is not only the way to show respect to creative work. Billions of Indians have the deepest respect and unabiding faith in Ramcharitmanas and the Mahabharata.” 

“A nation has only one flag and one anthem, that does not mean that any less respect is meant to other song or prayers, or that the  citizens are prevented from loving, respecting, singing and being emotionally attached to other songs, books or symbols,” the affidavit said. 

The affidavit was filed in response to the PIL of Gautam R Morarka, who had sought directions to the Centre to ensure proper dignity and respect for ‘Vande Mataram’ as well.