New Delhi: The Center has told the Delhi High Court that the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ “stand on the Same Level” and citizens should show equal respect to both.
While there are no penal provisions or official guidelines regarding the singing or playing of “Vande Mataram” unlike the national anthem, the song occupies a unique place in the emotions and psyche of Indians and all directions of high courts and the Supreme Court regarding the song is being followed, it said.
The submission was made by the Ministry of Home Affairs based on an affidavit filed in response to public interest litigation by lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay to ensure that the song “Vande Mataram” is given equal honor and status as the national anthem.
Emphasizing that both the national song and the national anthem have their sanctity and deserve equal respect, the Center said the subject matter of the proceedings can never be the subject of a court petition.
“Both Jana Gana Mana and Vande Mataram stand on equal footing and every citizen of the country should show equal respect to both.
The national song occupies a unique and special place in the emotions and psyche of the people of India,” said a “brief counter-affidavit” filed through a lawyer Manish Mohan’s Central Govt.
The court was informed that the issue of promoting ‘Vande Mataram’ was earlier taken up by the apex court which refused to “enter into any debate” as there was no reference to the national song in the constitution.
Subsequently, the high court, the reply added, dismissed another petition seeking directions for singing and playing ‘Vande Mataram’, observing that there could be no dispute that the song deserved the respect and reverence accorded it by the authorities.