Last Updated on February 12, 2026 6:08 pm by BIZNAMA NEWS
Board demands withdrawal of notification, warns of legal challenge
AMN / New Delhi
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly objected to the Central Government’s recent notification mandating the recitation of all verses of Vande Mataram at official functions and in schools before the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana. The Board described the move as unconstitutional, unacceptable, and a direct attack on religious freedom.
In a press statement, AIMPLB General Secretary Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi said the government’s decision violates the fundamental right to religious freedom guaranteed by the Indian Constitution and goes against the secular character of the nation. He also claimed that the decision contradicts Supreme Court observations and established constitutional principles.
The Maulana stated that, following the advice of Rabindranath Tagore and deliberations in the Constituent Assembly, it was agreed that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram would be used officially. He emphasized that a secular government cannot forcibly impose the teachings or beliefs of one religion upon followers of other faiths.
He further pointed out that the other verses of the song contain references to the worship and veneration of Durga and other deities, which conflicts with Islamic belief. According to him, Muslims worship only One God, Allah, and Islam does not permit associating any partners with God.
The AIMPLB also argued that Indian courts have previously held that the remaining verses of Vande Mataram are inconsistent with secular values and have restricted their recitation.
The Board demanded that the Central Government immediately withdraw the notification, warning that if the order is not revoked, AIMPLB will challenge it in court.
