Carnatic vocalist TM Krishna challenges Centre's Vande Mataram mandate in Supreme Court
The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought the Centre's response to a petition by Carnatic vocalist TM Krishna challenging the constitutional validity of a 2026 amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act. The amendment makes intentional disruption of Vande Mataram singing at government and ceremonial occasions punishable with up to three years imprisonment.
Krishna's plea contends that the last four stanzas of Vande Mataram contain references to Hindu deities and argues the mandate compels citizens to participate in singing devotional content, violating secular principles. He claims the Centre's direction breaches fundamental rights including freedom of expression, conscience, and protection against discrimination.
A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant directed the Union government to file its response within two weeks. The petition challenges both the constitutional amendment and the government's directive requiring full rendition of all six stanzas at specified occasions.
