The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly opposed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which makes alleged disrespect to Vande Mataram a punishable offence. The Muslim body said the law is against the constitutional, secular and democratic values of India and violates the religious freedom guaranteed to citizens.
The Bill, passed by both Houses of Parliament, gives Vande Mataram the same statutory protection as the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana. Under the amended law, alleged disrespect to Vande Mataram can attract imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.
AIMPLB Says Law Violates Religious Freedom
In a statement, AIMPLB spokesperson Dr. S.Q.R. Ilyas said making Vande Mataram compulsory through legal action is unacceptable.
“Any attempt to make Vande Mataram compulsory for all sections and religious communities through legal coercion is not only objectionable but also contrary to the fundamental principles of the Constitution,” he said.
He argued that patriotism should not be judged by whether someone recites a particular song or slogan.
“Love for the motherland and worship of the motherland are two entirely different concepts. Muslims deeply love their country and consider love for the homeland part of their civic and moral responsibility, but they cannot regard the country as a deity or goddess,” Ilyas said.
Cites Constitution and Supreme Court Judgment
The AIMPLB said Articles 19 and 25 of the Constitution protect both freedom of expression and freedom of religion, and no citizen can be forced to participate in any song, slogan or symbol that goes against their religious beliefs.
“These constitutional safeguards clearly imply that no citizen can be compelled to adopt or participate in any song, slogan, ideology or symbol against his or her religious beliefs and conscience,” the statement said.
The Board also referred to the Supreme Court’s judgment in the Bijoe Emmanuel vs State of Kerala case, where the court ruled that people cannot be punished for respectfully refusing to participate in the National Anthem if doing so conflicts with their religious beliefs.
“The Court made it clear that, in certain circumstances, freedom of expression includes the right to remain silent, and that respectful non-participation cannot be regarded as disrespect,” Ilyas said.
Religious Concerns Over Vande Mataram
The Muslim body said certain portions of Vande Mataram portray the motherland as a goddess and encourage worship, which it said conflicts with the Islamic belief in the absolute oneness of God.
According to the AIMPLB, while the Constituent Assembly accepted only the first two stanzas of the song at the national level, the remaining portions contain religious references that were not considered compatible with India’s secular character.
“Compelling a Muslim to participate in a song, slogan or practice carrying a religious meaning contrary to his or her faith is wholly unacceptable,” Ilyas said.
Urges Government to Focus on Public Issues
The Board urged the Union government to concentrate on unemployment, inflation, poverty, healthcare, education, economic inequality and social justice instead of pursuing what it described as divisive measures.
“Diverting public attention from fundamental issues by inflaming emotional and religious controversies serves neither the national interest nor the cause of democracy,” the statement said.
It added that India can become stronger only when every citizen enjoys equal dignity, justice and freedom.
“A strong and united India can only be built where every citizen enjoys equal dignity, justice and freedom; where anyone’s patriotism is not judged through the prism of his or her religious beliefs; and where the supremacy of the Constitution, religious freedom and fundamental civil rights are protected at all costs,” Ilyas said.
