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AIMPLB says that certain stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ include concepts that are incompatible with the Islamic doctrine of monotheism
In light of the new regulations, the AIMPLB has urged Muslim parents, teachers, and students across West Bengal to remain vigilant regarding their constitutional liberties. Representational image
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly objected to the West Bengal government’s recent directive mandating the daily recitation of all stanzas of “Vande Mataram” during morning school assemblies. The prominent Islamic body has demanded an immediate withdrawal of the notification or, alternatively, a complete exemption for Muslim students, arguing that the order infringes upon fundamental constitutional rights and established judicial precedents.
Constitutional and Judicial Arguments
Issuing a formal press statement on Tuesday, AIMPLB spokesperson Dr SQR Ilyas stated that compelling students to recite a text that directly conflicts with their religious convictions violates freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution of India, specifically pointing to Articles 19, 25, and 28(3). The Board contended that the mandate stands in direct opposition to the Supreme Court of India’s landmark ruling in the Bijoe Emmanuel v State of Kerala case, which affirmed that citizens cannot be forced to participate in national or religious ceremonies that violate their sincerely held conscientious beliefs.
The controversy stems from a policy overhaul by the newly formed Suvendu Adhikari-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) administration in West Bengal, which made the national song compulsory across all state schools, subsequently extending the directive to all government-recognised and aided madrasas under the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department.
Theological Objections and Secular Traditions
Detailing the specific objections of the community, Dr Ilyas explained that certain stanzas of “Vande Mataram” include concepts that are incompatible with the Islamic doctrine of monotheism, known as Tawhid. Forcing Muslim children to chant these verses, the Board argued, constitutes a direct assault on their religious identity. The AIMPLB emphasised that a secular state is constitutionally obligated to remain neutral and must not impose the cultural or religious practices of one community onto another.
The Board further highlighted that the central government had historically treated the recitation of the song as a matter of personal choice and individual conscience rather than an administrative obligation. Invoking Article 28(3), the spokesperson reminded the state government that no student in an institution funded or aided by state resources can be legally coerced into participating in religious instructions or observances without explicit, free consent.
Appeal for Legal Redress
In light of the new regulations, the AIMPLB has urged Muslim parents, teachers, and students across West Bengal to remain vigilant regarding their constitutional liberties. The leadership advised affected families to seek appropriate legal remedies through the courts if local authorities deploy coercive tactics to enforce compliance, reminding the state administration that India’s foundational character as a pluralistic republic must not be compromised by regional policy shifts.
About the Author
Pathikrit Sen Gupta is a Senior Associate Editor with News18.com and likes to cut a long story short. He writes sporadically on Politics, Sports, Global Affairs, Space, Entertainment, And Food. He tra…Read More
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