The Modi government is reportedly considering drafting a formal protocol to ensure that the national song Vande Mataram is accorded the same respect as the national anthem.
The Constitution of India places both the national anthem and the national song on an equal footing.
Rules and protocols under discussion
According to reports, a high-level meeting convened by the Ministry of Home Affairs earlier this month discussed in detail the rules, guidelines and appropriate ways of showing respect to Vande Mataram.
The deliberations reportedly focused on whether clear norms should be laid down regarding the time, place and manner of singing the national song.
The meeting also examined whether standing during the singing of Vande Mataram should be made mandatory, on lines similar to the national anthem, and whether penalties or legal action should be introduced for acts deemed disrespectful.
At present, standing during the national anthem is compulsory, and any insult to it is punishable under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
However, there is no legal requirement or written rule mandating people to stand during the singing of Vande Mataram.
The move comes amid a year-long celebration of Vande Mataram being observed by the Modi government. The BJP has accused the Congress of diminishing the importance of the national song, alleging that this stems from appeasement politics.
The issue has historical roots, with certain verses of Vande Mataram being dropped during a Congress session in 1937. The BJP has claimed this approach laid the groundwork for Partition, a charge the Congress has rejected, accusing the BJP of distorting history.
In recent years, several petitions have been filed in courts seeking a formal framework for Vande Mataram similar to that governing the national anthem.
The issue also figured prominently in the most recent Parliament session, which saw a 10-hour debate on the national song.
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