NEW DELHI: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Thursday rejected the Union cabinet's decision to accord 'Vande Mataram' a status equal to the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana', make all six stanzas of the song compulsory, and mandate its recitation before the national anthem in government and educational institutions.
Board's Statement and Legal Threat
In a statement, the board said if the government does not immediately withdraw this decision, AIMPLB will be compelled to challenge it in court. The board termed the move a 'direct violation of the basic spirit of the Constitution, religious freedom, secular values, and historic decisions of the Constituent Assembly'.
Spokesperson's Remarks
AIMPLB spokesperson S.Q.R. Ilyas said, 'The cabinet's decision is not only unconstitutional and undemocratic, but also contrary to the religious and cultural diversity and constitutional ethos of the country.' Ilyas argued that a secular state cannot impose religious concepts or beliefs of one community upon all citizens by force.
Religious Objections
Ilyas elaborated that several stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' contain invocations and glorification of Goddess Durga and other deities, which are in direct conflict with the Islamic doctrine of Tawheed (absolute oneness of God). 'Islam permits worship only of Allah, the One without partner, and does not accept any form of shirk (associating partners with God),' he added.
The board emphasized that the decision undermines the secular fabric of the nation and infringes upon the religious liberties guaranteed by the Constitution. AIMPLB has called for immediate withdrawal of the order to avoid legal confrontation.
