By Admin 
Vande Mataram Controversy: The debate has once again erupted regarding Vande Mataram. Actually, this controversy started in Maharashtra when the state government ordered all schools to sing the full version of Vande Mataram between 31 October and 7 November to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. After this, Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi opposed it. Meanwhile, a big question arose whether someone can be punished for refusing to sing Vande Mataram or not? Let us know what is the answer to this question and also what Indian law says on this issue.
Is there any punishment for not singing Vande Mataram?
According to the Indian Constitution and the policy of the Central Government, there is no legal punishment or provision for not singing Vande Mataram. Singing Vande Mataram is completely voluntary and not mandatory. The government clarified in Parliament that no law makes singing or playing of Vande Mataram mandatory. Along with this, there is no punitive provision related to this.
Constitutional status of Vande Mataram
Although Vande Mataram has the honorary status of the national song of India, it does not have the constitutional status like the national anthem Jana Gana Mana. This means that despite the immense value of patriotism in Vande Mataram, it cannot be implemented legally. Citizens are completely free to express their respect in different ways.
Supreme Court’s stance on compulsion
The Supreme Court has repeatedly said that no one can be forced to sing the national anthem, provided he does not disrespect it and just stands respectfully. Along with this, the court refused to make Vande Mataram mandatory and also emphasized that patriotism cannot be measured by any compulsion. Freedom of expression, protected under Article 19 (1) (a) of the Constitution, gives individuals complete freedom to choose how they express national honour.
Madras High Court judgment 2017
In 2017, the Madras High Court had directed that Vande Mataram be sung in all schools and government offices in Tamil Nadu. But he also made it clear that if any person or organization has real difficulty or problem then it should not be forced. From this it became clear that this order is advisory and not mandatory.
Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act 1971
The Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act 1971 completely regulates the respect for the national flag and the national anthem, but it does not mention controlling the national anthem. Therefore, refusing to sing Vande Mataram is not a crime.
Also read: Why did Congress ban singing Vande Mataram, over which lines was the dispute?