Hyderabad, 22 September
Owaisi Welcomes SC Observation on Vande Mataram, Criticises Solicitor General
AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday, September 22, welcomed the Supreme Court’s observation that a person cannot be criminally prosecuted simply for refusing to sing Vande Mataram if doing so conflicts with their conscience.
Owaisi also criticised Solicitor General Tushar Mehta over remarks made during the proceedings, arguing that people should have the freedom to approach courts and challenge the validity of a law.
Supreme Court hears Vande Mataram plea
The Supreme Court was hearing a petition filed by Carnatic musician T M Krishna, who has challenged legal provisions relating to the singing of Vande Mataram.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana heard the matter.
During the hearing, the court asked the Centre to consider its 1986 judgment concerning the national anthem, in which it had protected children from penal action for not singing the anthem.
The court observed that individuals should not face criminal prosecution merely for refusing to sing Vande Mataram.
Owaisi takes aim at Solicitor General
Reacting to the proceedings in a post on X, Owaisi said the freedom to disagree was an important part of liberty of thought, speech and expression.
He criticised Mehta for referring to people as “Naxalites” in the context of their decision to approach the courts and challenge the validity of a law.
Petition challenges six-stanza requirement
Krishna’s petition challenges provisions that mandate the singing of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram. The plea argues that the final four stanzas raise questions concerning the secular character of the country.
The Supreme Court, however, observed that determining the national song was a matter for the democratic state and said it would not second-guess the national sentiment or aspirations associated with Vande Mataram.
The proceedings are continuing before the Supreme Court.