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Madras High Court makes singing of Vande Mataram mandatory in schools, govt offices

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8 years ago

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Madras High Court

Verdict came on a petition filed by an individual who failed a teacher recruitment exam because he didn’t know what language the national song was originally penned in.

The failure of K Veeramani, who failed his Bachelor of Teaching (BT) Assistant selection exam conducted by the Tamil Nadu Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB) because he apparently didn’t know what language Vande Mataram was originally written in, has got the Madras High Court to rule that private schools and government offices in the state must make singing of the national song mandatory!

Veeramani had moved the Madras High Court claiming that the TRB answer key for the examination mentioned that the national song was originally written in Sanskrit although he had read in several books that Vande Mataram had been penned in Bengali. The questionnaire for the selection exam had asked the language that the song had originally been written in and Veeramani had answered ‘Bengali’ only to later realize that he had lost 1 mark for his reply and failed to secure his selection because of it. His contention was that he secured 89 marks in the exam, a single point shy of the selection target – a mark he should have been awarded because in his opinion he had answered the question correctly.

And so, the Madras High Court’s Justice MV Muralidharan, who was presiding over Veeramani’s case, decided to ascertain whether the answer to the petitioner’s piquant problem had been lost in translation.

Justice Muralidharan’s verdict in the matter that came on Tuesday could, however, lead to some controversy since singing of the national song – made mandatory in schools and educational institutions by some in BJP-ruled states across India – has in the past met with strident opposition from some Islamic organizations who claim that it goes against the tenets of Islam.

In his judgement, Justice Muralidharan said that singing of Vande Mataram in schools, government offices, private entities and industries in Tamil Nadu should be compulsory. The court ruled that private and government schools across the state should ensure that their students sing Vande Mataram “at least twice in a week, preferably on Monday and Friday” and that “the song can also be played in other government and private establishments at least once in a month”.

Interestingly, the judge noted that “If people feel it is difficult to sing the song in Bengali or in Sanskrit, steps can be taken to translate the song in Tamil.”

Perhaps alive to the potential consequences of his order given the controversies that have erupted over it in recent years, Justice Muralidharan also ruled: “In the event, any person/organisation has difficulty in singing or playing the song, they shall not be compelled or forced to sing it, provided there are valid reasons for not doing so.”

The judge hoped that this order “shall be taken in the right spirit and also implemented in letter and spirit by the citizenry of this great nation”.

Curiously though the verdict came after much deliberation by the court – which happens to have the second highest pendency of cases among all high courts of the country with 3,02,846 cases pending as of January 2017 and only 38 judges out of its sanctioned strength of 75.

Since Veeramani had contended in his prayer that his answer of Vande Mataram being originally written in Bengali was correct and that the TRB was wrong in saying that the national song was penned in Sanskrit, Justice Muralidharan asked the TRB to clear its stand.

The TRB in turn pleaded that the song was originally written in Sanskrit but was translated later to Bengali.

The court then asked the Advocate General of Tamil Nadu, R Muthukumaraswamy, to find out the right answer. On July 13, Muthukumaraswamy informed the court that while the original language of  ‘Vande Mataram‘ was Sanskrit, it was first written in the Bangla script – thus making contentions put forth by both, Veeramani and the TRB, acceptable (depending on how the question is interpreted).

Justice Muralidharan finally ruled on Tuesday that Veeramani’s must be included as a BT Assistant but also decided to make singing of the national song mandatory.

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Delhi to install 305 mist sprayers across 9 major pollution hotspots

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that 305 mist sprayers will be installed across nine pollution hotspots in Delhi, alongside expert-led planning and coordinated measures to reduce dust and biomass-related pollution.

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3 hours ago

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December 4, 2025

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Delhi-NCR air quality

The Delhi government has announced a large-scale deployment of mist sprayer technology to tackle rising air pollution, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta confirming that 305 mist sprayers will be installed across nine pollution hotspots in the capital.

Mist sprayers to curb dust at critical locations

During an inspection at ITO, Gupta said the mist sprayers already operational at the site are performing effectively. She noted that 35 poles at ITO have been fitted with these machines, which are helping suppress dust—a major contributor to air pollution in Delhi.

According to the Chief Minister, trials conducted in certain NDMC areas have shown promising results, reinforcing confidence in the technology.

High-level committee to guide pollution-control measures

Gupta announced the formation of a high-level expert committee that will advise the government on effective measures to reduce pollution. The panel will include senior officials from various departments as well as environmental specialists, including experts from IITs. Officials stated that the committee will receive special powers to implement pollution-mitigation strategies.

Departments directed to repair roads, add greenery

The Chief Minister said departments including PWD, DSIIDC and DDA have been instructed to fix potholes, repair and carpet roads, plant foliage along dividers and islands, and take other measures to reduce pollution sources.

She urged residents to report potholes on the government portal for quicker action.

Appeal to RWAs to prevent biomass burning

To curb winter pollution, Gupta advised Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to distribute electric heaters to security guards to discourage biomass burning, which significantly contributes to seasonal pollution spikes.

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PM Modi welcomes Vladimir Putin with warm hug as Russian President begins India visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin began a high-profile visit to India on Thursday, welcomed by PM Narendra Modi as both nations prepare to discuss defence, energy and trade cooperation.

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4 hours ago

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December 4, 2025

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Vladimir Putin rides in Indian PM Narendra Modi's car on India visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening for a 27-hour visit focused on strengthening defence, energy and trade cooperation. The visit, marked by a warm embrace and a brief car ride shared with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscores the continuity of the India-Russia strategic partnership amid shifting global geopolitics.

Putin receives ceremonial welcome and packed schedule ahead

Putin landed in Delhi around 6:35 pm, where PM Modi personally received him at Palam airport. The two leaders shared a hug before leaving together, with the Prime Minister set to host a private dinner in honour of the visiting President — a reciprocal gesture to the hospitality extended during Modi’s Moscow visit last year.

On Friday, Putin will begin his official engagements with a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a visit to Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. He is also scheduled to attend the India-Russia Annual Summit at Hyderabad House, where both sides will hold a working lunch.

The Russian President will later inaugurate a new India-based channel of Russia’s state broadcaster and attend a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, before departing India on Friday night.

Defence, energy and trade to dominate agenda

Officials have indicated that discussions will centre on defence, energy and trade — the three pillars of the bilateral relationship. Agreements are expected across sectors including shipping, healthcare, fertilisers and connectivity.

Ahead of the summit, defence ministers from both countries held extensive talks, covering additional procurement of S-400 air defence systems and delayed military hardware shipments affected by the Ukraine war. The S-400 platform, procured under a USD 5 billion deal, played a major role during Operation Sindoor.

The Kremlin has also hinted that Russia may propose the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet, which would put Moscow in direct competition with Western aircraft makers.

Energy ties face renewed pressure

India remains among the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude. However, fresh US sanctions on key Russian oil producers have led to a dip in purchases.

Putin’s visit also comes at a time of strain in India-US ties, with Washington recently imposing steep tariffs on Indian goods — including measures linked directly to India’s continued oil trade with Russia.

Massive security deployment in Delhi

Delhi Police have stationed over 5,000 personnel across central and New Delhi districts, supported by SWAT teams, anti-terror units, snipers, quick-reaction teams, anti-drone systems, HD-CCTV networks and layered surveillance measures for the visit.

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Rahul Gandhi attacks Centre ahead of Vladimir Putin’s India visit

Rahul Gandhi alleged that the government discourages visiting foreign dignitaries from meeting Opposition leaders, calling it a sign of “insecurity,” hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Delhi.

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9 hours ago

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December 4, 2025

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Rahul Gandhi

As Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Delhi today for the India-Russia Annual Summit, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has renewed his charge that the Centre discourages visiting foreign leaders from meeting Opposition representatives. He called it a sign of “insecurity” within the government.

Rahul Gandhi alleges break in long-followed tradition

Speaking outside Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said that it has traditionally been the norm for visiting foreign leaders to meet the Leader of the Opposition, a practice he claims continued during the tenures of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh.

He alleged that the present government advises foreign dignitaries against such meetings. “When foreign leaders come, the government suggests they should not meet the Leader of the Opposition. This is their policy,” Gandhi said. He added that a meeting with the Opposition offers visiting leaders a broader perspective, as “we too represent India.”

Gandhi further stated that this approach reflects the government’s reluctance to allow engagement between the Opposition and foreign guests.

Former Foreign Secretary counters Gandhi’s remarks

Responding to Gandhi’s allegations, former Foreign Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla said visiting leaders operate on very tight schedules and there is no protocol mandating a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition. He stressed that such interactions depend entirely on the guest’s time and preference, noting that the required meetings are those with the President and the Prime Minister.

Putin’s schedule packed with bilateral engagements

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to land in Delhi this evening on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation. His itinerary includes:

  • A private dinner with PM Modi
  • Visit to Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Raj Ghat
  • Engagements at Bharat Mandapam and Hyderabad House
  • A banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu

The visit forms part of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

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