'Citizens should show equal respect to Jana Gana Mana, Vande Mataram': Centre to Delhi HC
Replying to a PIL which seeks to elevate "Vande Mataram" to status of "Jana-Gana-Mana", the Centre said that the national song occupies a unique and special place in the emotions and psyche of the people of India.
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New Delhi, November 05: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has informed Delhi Delhi High Court that the national anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and the national song, ‘Vande Mataram’ stand on equal footing and every citizen of the country should have same respect for both.
Replying to a PIL which seeks to elevate 'Vande Mataram' to status of 'Jana-Gana-Mana', the Centre said that the national song occupies a unique and special place in the emotions and psyche of the people of India.
The home ministry further added that penal provisions have not been made in the case of ‘Vande Mataram', as it is in the case of the national anthem as per the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
No instructions have been issued laying down the circumstances in which 'Vande Mataram' may be sung or played.
The MHA, however, said that though the national anthem and song have their sanctity and deserve equal respect but the same cannot be a matter of a writ petition before the court.
The home ministry also told the court the court that Central govemment is abiding by the directions passed by the High Courts as also the honourable Supreme Court of India from time to time in this regard.
The PIL had also sought direction to the Centre and State Governments to ensure that 'Jana-Gana-Mana' and 'Vande Mataram' are played and sung in all schools and educational institutions on every working day.
Bharati Web
Mes, Pune
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