The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly criticised the West Bengal government’s decision to make the recitation of all stanzas of Vande Mataram compulsory during morning assemblies in government schools and recognised madrasas.
Calling it a violation of fundamental rights, the Board said the order should be withdrawn immediately. It also suggested that, if not withdrawn, Muslim students must be exempted from the rule.
“The West Bengal government’s decision is not only contrary to the spirit of the Constitution but also inconsistent with India’s secular and democratic traditions,” the Board said in a statement.
“Violation of Religious Freedom,” Says AIMPLB
AIMPLB spokesperson SQR Ilyas said that forcing students to recite any song or text against their religious beliefs violates constitutional protections.
“Compelling any student to recite a song or text that is contrary to his or her religious beliefs constitutes a clear violation of Fundamental Rights guaranteed under Articles 19, 25, and 28(3) of the Constitution,” Ilyas said.
He added that India’s Constitution protects individual conscience and religious freedom, especially in state-run or government-aided educational institutions.
Reference to Supreme Court Judgment
The Board also referred to the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in the Bijoe Emmanuel vs State of Kerala case, which held that students cannot be forced to participate in practices that go against their sincerely held beliefs.
“Such directives are inconsistent with the Supreme Court’s ruling, which clearly protects the right of students to abstain from compulsory participation in such practices,” Ilyas said.
Concerns Over Religious Interpretation
The AIMPLB also said that some parts of Vande Mataram are considered by Muslims to be inconsistent with the Islamic principle of monotheism (Tawhid).
It argued that making its full recitation compulsory in educational institutions could affect students’ religious identity and personal freedom.
Appeal to Students and Parents
The Board urged Muslim students, parents, and teachers in West Bengal to remain aware of their constitutional rights.
It also advised them to seek legal remedies if they face any pressure or coercion to comply with the directive.
“We appeal to students and guardians to understand their rights under the Constitution and approach legal forums if needed,” the statement said.
