Court Plea Regarding Karnataka’s Authority to Limit Vande Mataram to Two Stanzas

The State Government‘s September 8 order requiring that only the first two stanzas of the National Song “Vande Mataram” be sung at state functions—apart from those attended by the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, or Governor—has been challenged in a public interest lawsuit filed before the Karnataka High Court.

Advocate Girish Bharadwaj filed the case through Advocate Angad Kamath, and it is anticipated to be listed for listing today. It is claimed that the directive, which was issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms after a Cabinet resolution on September 3, is against the protocol of the Union Government. The Ministry of Home Affairs‘ July 9 letter, which requires the official six-stanza version to be sung at all events, is cited by the petitioner.

According to the PIL, “National Song” is within Parliament’s exclusive jurisdiction under Entry 97 of List I read with Article 248 since it does not fall under List II or List III of the Seventh Schedule. It argues that under Article 162, the Government cannot do via executive order what the State Legislature cannot do by statute. It further claims that the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026, which protects the National Song, and Articles 256 and 257(1) are violated by the decision.

The plea further claims that the Cabinet violated Article 19(1)(a) and the Transaction of Business Rules, 1977 by deciding on a “Informal Discussion” without consulting the Law Department or a Cabinet Note.

The first two stanzas of Vande Mataram must be sung at all state government events, according to a September 10 edict from the Karnataka administration. Nonetheless, the directive emphasises that the President, Vise President, Prime Minister, and Governor will be present at ceremonies where all six verses of the national song will be sung.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs sent a letter with guidelines, which served as the basis for the decision. According to the state government’s decision, Vande Mataram contributed significantly to India’s national movement and fostered a sense of patriotism, solidarity, and nationalism among the populace.

Following a Cabinet decision, the Karnataka government issued the directives, highlighting the need to uphold consistency, dignity, and appropriate decorum in relation to the singing and playing of Vande Mataram during official programs and festivities.

All Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, Legislature Secretariat, Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), Director General of Police and Inspector General of Police (DGP & IGP), Private Secretaries to all Ministers, Special Secretary to the Governor, Regional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officers, department heads, Vise Chancellors of universities, and others have received copies of the order.