'Muslims can't regard country as deity': Islamic body objects to Vande Mataram Bill
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) criticized Parliament's passage of a Bill making disrespect to Vande Mataram a punishable offence.
AIMPLB spokesperson Dr SQR Ilyas said the Bill is incompatible with constitutional principles and Islamic belief.
The Board argued that compelling participation in Vande Mataram, which has religious connotations, violates fundamental rights under Articles 25 and 19 of the Constitution.
AIMPLB cited the Constituent Assembly's acceptance of only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at the national level, due to religious connotations in the rest.
The Board referenced the Supreme Court's judgment in Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala, which protects the right not to sing the national anthem if it conflicts with religious beliefs.
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