Vande Mataram Controversy: Compelling Religious Observance Violates Constitutional Principles
Forcing citizens to participate in religious observance violates India's constitutional principles.
Editorial Analysis
The MHA's order mandating the full version of Vande Mataram at official functions is unconstitutional and violates fundamental rights.
Main Arguments:
- Forcing citizens to stand at attention while verses invoking Hindu goddesses are sung imposes a religious test and violates secular principles.
- The Constituent Assembly deliberately adopted only the two-stanza version of Vande Mataram as the National Song.
- The Supreme Court has held that respecting the National Anthem by standing is sufficient and that not singing it does not constitute disrespect.
- The MHA order disregards Article 51A, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, and the principles established in Bijoe Emmanuel case.
Conclusion
Policy Implications
The MHA's order directing all six stanzas of Vande Mataram be played at official functions is constitutional vandalism. In 1937, the Congress Working Committee recognized objections to certain parts of the song, concluding that the first two stanzas were unobjectionable. Later stanzas call out Hindu goddesses.
Forcing a Muslim civil servant or Christian teacher to stand at attention while these verses are sung imposes a religious test. The Constituent Assembly adopted only the two-stanza version as the National Song. Article 51A(a) mentions the National Flag and Anthem, not the National Song.
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, protects the Anthem and Flag but not Vande Mataram. The Supreme Court stated that disrespect is not shown by not joining in the singing. The MHA order mandates playing the complete six-stanza version, including stanzas invoking Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.
The government cannot force citizens to participate in religious observance by calling it patriotism.
Key Facts
The MHA's order directs that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram be played at official functions.
In 1937, the Congress Working Committee recognized objections to certain parts of Vande Mataram.
The Constituent Assembly adopted only the two-stanza version of Vande Mataram as the National Song.
The Supreme Court in Bijoe Emmanuel case held that standing respectfully for the National Anthem is sufficient and not singing it does not constitute disrespect.
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper I: History of Indian Nationalism
GS Paper II: Constitutional provisions related to freedom of religion
GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions
GS Paper I & II: Socio-religious reforms and their impact
Visual Insights
Vande Mataram Controversy: Constitutional Implications
This mind map illustrates the constitutional principles at stake in the Vande Mataram controversy, linking it to secularism, freedom of religion, and fundamental duties.
Vande Mataram Controversy
- ●Secularism
- ●Freedom of Religion (Article 25)
- ●Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)
- ●Constitutional Interpretation
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key facts about the Vande Mataram controversy that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?
Key facts include: the MHA's order to play all six stanzas, the Congress Working Committee's 1937 stance on the song, the Constituent Assembly adopting only two stanzas as the National Song, and the Supreme Court's view on not singing the song.
Exam Tip
Focus on the historical context and the constitutional aspects of the issue.
2. What is the constitutional basis for the debate surrounding Vande Mataram?
The debate revolves around Article 51A(a) concerning fundamental duties, which mentions the National Flag and Anthem but not the National Song. The question is whether compelling citizens to sing Vande Mataram violates their fundamental rights, particularly if it goes against their religious beliefs.
3. What are the important dates and figures associated with the Vande Mataram controversy?
Important dates include 1937 (Congress Working Committee resolution), January 24, 1950 (Rajendra Prasad's announcement), and July 1985 (Bijoe Emmanuel case). Key figures include Rajendra Prasad, Vallabhbhai Patel, and Mahatma Gandhi.
Exam Tip
Create a timeline to remember the sequence of events.
4. What is the historical background of the Vande Mataram song, and why is it important?
Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, first appeared in his 1882 novel *Anandamath*. It became a symbol of Indian nationalism. However, its later stanzas referencing Hindu deities have led to debates about its inclusivity and potential for conflict.
5. How does the Vande Mataram controversy relate to the concept of secularism in India?
The controversy highlights the tension between national symbols and religious freedom. Forcing individuals to participate in a religious observance, even indirectly through a national song, can be seen as a violation of secular principles, which require the state to be neutral towards all religions.
6. What are common misconceptions about Vande Mataram and its status as a national symbol?
A common misconception is that Vande Mataram has the same status as the National Anthem. The Constituent Assembly adopted only the first two stanzas as the National Song, and it doesn't have the same legal protection as the National Anthem.
7. What are the pros and cons of making the singing of Vande Mataram mandatory at official functions?
Pros: It can promote national unity and patriotism. Cons: It can alienate minority groups who may have religious objections, potentially violating their fundamental rights and contradicting secular principles.
8. How does the Vande Mataram controversy impact common citizens?
It affects citizens by raising questions about religious freedom and the role of the state in promoting cultural or religious practices. It can create a sense of exclusion for some and raise concerns about the protection of minority rights.
9. Why is the Vande Mataram issue in the news recently?
Recent directives from government bodies regarding the singing or playing of Vande Mataram have reignited debates about its place in national life. These directives often lack clarity on which version of the song should be used, leading to confusion and potential conflict.
10. What are the recent developments related to Vande Mataram and government initiatives?
Recent developments include government directives regarding the singing or playing of Vande Mataram at official functions. These directives are viewed differently, with some seeing them as promoting cultural identity and others as imposing religious observance.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the historical context of Vande Mataram: 1. It was first published in Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's novel *Durgeshnandini* in 1882. 2. The Indian National Congress officially adopted the complete song as its national song in 1937. 3. The Constituent Assembly of India adopted only the first two stanzas as the National Song. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is INCORRECT: Vande Mataram was first published in Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's novel *Anandamath*, not *Durgeshnandini*. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The Indian National Congress did not adopt the *complete* song. They recognized objections to later stanzas and accepted the first two stanzas. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The Constituent Assembly adopted only the first two stanzas as the National Song.
Source Articles
Vande Mataram, its six stanzas and a settled question - The Hindu
Vande Mataram to be played before Jana Gana Mana, says Centre to ...
Muslim bodies oppose Vande Mataram notification, allege it is against Constitution - The Hindu
The national song debate, a reading between the lines - The Hindu
West Bengal BJP welcomes MHA directive of singing all stanzas of Vande Mataram - The Hindu