: The Supreme Court is likely to hear on October 27 a petition seeking the transfer of a public interest litigation (PIL) from the Delhi High Court that calls for granting ‘Vande Mataram’ a status equivalent to that of the national anthem.
 

According to the Supreme Court website, a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohan is scheduled to hear the plea filed by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay.
 

The petition, filed through advocate Ashwani Dubey, has requested that the PIL pending before the Delhi High Court be transferred to the Supreme Court. The petitioner has argued that a similar writ petition is already under consideration before the apex court, making it appropriate for both matters to be heard together.
 

The plea contends that ‘Vande Mataram’ is a symbol of India’s history, sovereignty, unity and national pride. It argues that any direct or indirect act showing disrespect towards the song would not only be an anti-social act but would also undermine the rights and identity of citizens of a sovereign nation.
 

According to the petition, citizens should refrain from any activity that disrespects the song and should actively oppose any attempt to demean it. It further states that citizens must take pride in the nation, the Constitution, the national anthem and the national flag, while placing national interests above personal interests.
 

The petitioner has also sought directions to the Central Government and the Delhi Government to ensure that both ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ are sung and played in all schools and educational institutions on every working day.
 

The petition claims that due to the absence of clear guidelines or rules governing respect for the song, ‘Vande Mataram’ is allegedly being performed in an inappropriate manner and misused in films and social gatherings.
 

Highlighting its historic significance, the petitioner stated that the song played a major role in India’s freedom movement and deserves the same level of respect as ‘Jana Gana Mana’, citing a statement made by Rajendra Prasad, President of the Constituent Assembly, in 1950.
 

The plea further argues that it is the responsibility of the government to formulate a national policy for promoting and preserving both ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ in the interest of national unity. According to the petitioner, while ‘Jana Gana Mana’ reflects sentiments related to the State and the nation, ‘Vande Mataram’ represents the character and spirit of the nation and should therefore receive similar respect.
 

The petition also states that ‘Vande Mataram’ should not be dramatized or included in variety shows and that whenever it is sung or played, all present should display appropriate respect and dignity.
 

The PIL aims to ensure that ‘Vande Mataram’ is accorded due respect and recognition equivalent to that of the national anthem.