Government May Mandate Standing for National Song 'Vande Mataram'

• The government is considering making it mandatory to stand for the national song 'Vande Mataram', similar to the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana'.
• The Home Ministry is discussing applying similar rules and protocols to 'Vande Mataram' as it completes 150 years since its composition.
• Currently, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, and Article 51(A) of the Constitution only apply to the national anthem.
• Petitions have been filed in courts demanding similar rules for 'Vande Mataram', which was declared the National Song in 1950.
• The song has faced controversy, with some Muslim organizations opposing its recitation and political parties debating its status and full rendition.

Why It Matters: The government is exploring new rules to mandate standing for 'Vande Mataram', aligning its respect with 'Jana Gana Mana'.