SC has rightly remarked that a conscientious objector cannot be penalised for not singing Vande Mataram. Its 1986 judgment that quashed rustication of school students for refusing to sing the national anthem remains a binding law. Ciminalising non-rendition is disproportionate, undermines constitutional tolerance, and religious freedom. Nationalism can’t be coerced.
Can’t punish conscientious objectors of Vande Mataram, SC says. Nationalism can’t be coerced
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That’s the point. Nationalism cannot be coerced.
And most Indian Muslims don’t have any issues in singing either Jana Gana Mana or Vande Mataram.
It’s just the Pakistan inspired fundamentalist Muslims who have objections to singing these venerable songs. Of course, nationalism cannot be expected from them.
Our Constitution, quite unfortunately, gives such elements leeway to get away with worse.
Pseudo nationalism. To be filed with pseudo secularism.