Karnataka government order on Vande Mataram faces legal challenge

A legal and political controversy has emerged in Karnataka following a state government order mandating that only the first two stanzas of the national song, ‘Vande Mataram’, be sung at state functions. The order, issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, applies to all state programmes except those attended by high-ranking officials such as the President, Prime Minister, or Governor.

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Karnataka High Court challenging the order. The petition argues that the state lacks the authority to regulate the National Song through an executive order, asserting that such matters fall under the exclusive domain of Parliament. The plea also claims the order conflicts with Ministry of Home Affairs protocols that mandate the full six-stanza version.

In response to the directive, BJP MLA SN Channabasappa walked out of an International Democracy Day programme in Shivamogga, stating he would not participate in an event where the song is ‘disrespected’. Additionally, the Karnataka BJP has announced plans for a five-day statewide march, or padayatra, to protest the government’s decision.