Karnataka: PIL challenges limiting Vande Mataram to two stanzas

Bengaluru: A public interest litigation (PIL) has reached the Karnataka High Court challenging the state's recent decision to sing only the first two stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' at government events, except when the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, or Governor is participating.

The PIL, filed by an advocate, questions whether a State Government can prescribe the form and content of a national symbol like the National Song via executive order.

The challenge concerns a Karnataka Government order dated September 8 directing that a truncated rendition of 'Vande Mataram' be sung at all State Government programmes. The notification followed a Cabinet decision earlier this month.


The PIL submits that this order directly conflicts with the Union Government's Orders regarding the National Song, which prescribe the complete six-stanza composition of 'Vande Mataram' as the official version, not just the first two stanzas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the year-long commemoration of the National Song “Vande Mataram” on November 7, 2025. The year 2025 marked 150 Years of Vande Mataram, written by Bankimchandra Chatterji.