The Delhi high court dismissed on Tuesday a petition seeking direction to treat the national song Vande Mataram at par with the national anthem Jana Gana Mana.
The high court said that though it agreed with the petitioner’s view, it cannot grant the relief sought.
“Though we agree with the petitioner that Vande Mataram be recognised by the respondent as equal to Jana Gana Mana, we are of the view that we are unable to grant the relief sought in the petition,” the court said.
The court’s order came on a plea by Delhi resident Gautam R Morarka, who urged the bench that directions be given to the Centre so that proper dignity and respect be maintained when Vande Mataram, authored by poet Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, is played or sung.
The Centre opposed the plea saying Vande Mataram occupies a “unique and special place” in the psyche of Indians but it cannot be treated at par with Jana Gana Mana.
The petition also sought direction to amend the 1971 National Honour Act accordingly to ensure equal respect for Vande Mataram.