'Vande Mataram’ Inseparably Linked With Freedom Struggle, Protection Under Law Not The Only Way To Show Respect: Delhi HC [Read Judgment]

Aartis, works of Kalidas also revered but need no protection of law, says Centre‘Evocative’ national song 'Vande Mataram' is inseparably linked with India's freedom struggle but does not call for amendment in law to ensure that it is granted the respect and dignity it deserves, the Delhi High Court has held while agreeing with the government that protection under law is not the only way. Aartis, works of Kalidas also revered but need no protection of law, says Centre ‘Evocative’ national song 'Vande Mataram' is inseparably linked with India's freedom struggle but does not call for amendment in law to ensure that it is granted the respect and dignity it deserves, the Delhi High Court has held while agreeing with the government that protection under law is not the only way to respect to a creative work. Morarka had sought directions to the Centre to consider moving an appropriate Bill for amendment in the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, to incorporate provisions with respect to the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ to ensure the respect and dignity which the national song deserves on par with the national anthem. Taking note of the findings, the bench said, "It needs no elaboration that the ‘Vande Mataram’ is inseparably linked with the freedom struggle as is noted by the committee and the respondents as an eternal song which commands respect and love without it being managed or enforced by the long arm of the law".