Muslim Law Board condemns new Vande Mataram Bill as violation of faith and rights

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board issued a strong rebuke of the Vande Mataram Bill, which Parliament approved to penalise perceived disrespect to the national song. The board contended that mandating participation in a hymn that portrays the nation as a goddess violates both the Islamic principle of Tawheed and the Constitution’s protections of religion and free speech. It highlighted that only the first two verses were adopted nationally, while the remaining lines carry religious connotations unsuitable for a secular state.

Referring to Articles 25 and 19, the AIMPLB stressed that citizens cannot be compelled to adopt symbols contrary to their conscience, citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala as precedent. The organization differentiated patriotism from worship, asserting that love for the country need not involve deity-like reverence. Finally, it called on the government to prioritize pressing issues such as unemployment, inflation and healthcare over divisive cultural legislation.