Indian Muslims have expressed deep concern over making ‘Vande Mataram legally mandatory and declaring its insult as a punishable offence. According to them, this law is an attack on the constitutional religious freedom and constitutional rights of Indian citizens.
According to the Prevention of Insults to National Honor (Amendment) Bill-2026 passed by Parliament on Thursday, willful disrespect or obstruction of the national song Bande Mataram– will be considered an offence. The bill granted Bande Mataram– the same legal status as the national anthem Jan Gana Man–. A maximum of three years imprisonment, fine or both have been provided for this crime.
In a statement released on Friday, the All India Muslim Personal Law’ Board expressed ‘deep concern over the law. The organization said it was against the country’s constitution, secularism and democratic spirit and a serious blow to the religious freedom of citizens.
Jamiat Ulamae Hind president Arshad Madani gave a similar response. He said the bill is against the constitution and religious freedom. It is an attempt to do electoral politics by diverting attention from the real problems of the people.
All India Muslim Personal Law’ Board Spokesperson. S. Q. R. Elias said that any attempt to make Vande Mataram– mandatory for people of all religions and communities through law is not only offensive but also against the basic principles of the constitution.
He said that only the first two stanzas of Bande Mataram– were accepted at the national level after long discussions by the Constituent Assembly during the drafting of the constitution. Because, the religious significance of the later parts was not considered compatible with the secular character of the country.
Arshad Madani said, ‘anyone can sing or recite Vande Mataram, we have no objection. But a Muslim worships only Allah. Some parts of Bande Mataram– are not compatible with Islamic beliefs. So no Muslim can be forced to sing or accept it.
