DIVYA DELHI : The Supreme Court of India has sought the Centre’s response to a plea seeking the transfer of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning ‘Vande Mataram’ from the Delhi High Court. The development brings the legal proceedings surrounding the national song into focus, with the apex court seeking the Union government’s stand on the transfer request. The plea raises questions regarding the appropriate forum for hearing the matter. The Supreme Court’s response to the petition will help determine how the transfer request proceeds and whether the case should be considered by a different court. ‘Vande Mataram’, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, holds an important place in India’s freedom struggle and national history. The song inspired generations of freedom fighters and continues to be associated with the country’s cultural and patriotic heritage. The petitioner has also sought directions to the Centre and the Delhi government to ensure that both ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Jana Gana Mana’ are sung or played in schools and educational institutions on every working day. The plea argues that a clear national policy is needed to promote the song and ensure that it receives due respect. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana issued notice to the Centre and tagged the transfer matter with similar petitions pending before the Supreme Court. The court has not yet delivered a final ruling on the transfer request or the demands raised in the PIL.
