New Delhi, Mar 25 : The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday refused to entertain a petition challenging a Union Home Ministry circular regarding the singing of Vande Mataram at official events, terming the plea as premature and based on vague apprehensions.
As per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, observed that the directive was not mandatory and did not impose any legal obligation on individuals.
The court noted that the petition, filed by Muhammed Sayeed Noori, lacked any concrete instance of discrimination or coercion, and was based merely on speculative concerns.
During the hearing, senior advocate Sanjay Hegde, appearing for the petitioner, argued that while all religions are respected, compelling individuals to sing the national song could be seen as a forced expression of loyalty.
However, the bench pointed out that the circular uses the term “may,” indicating that participation is voluntary. It further asked whether any punitive action had been taken against individuals for not singing the song.
The court said that in the absence of any such instance, the plea does not warrant intervention at this stage, while granting liberty to the petitioner to approach again if any coercive action arises in future. (KNC)
