Singing ‘Vande Mataram’ Has Not Been Made Mandatory - Supreme Court Context: The Supreme Court ruled that, in accordance with a circular issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, singing ‘Vande Mataram’ is not mandatory. The circular serves merely as a guideline regarding the rendition of the song at government functions and in schools. The circular does not specify any penal provisions for failing to sing the song. Current Facts The Supreme Court of India ruled that, under the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order 1950, Scheduled Caste status is restricted only to individuals belonging to Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist communities. According to the Central Government's 2024-25 Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) report, Tamil Nadu has secured the first place in India, with smart classrooms established in 82.5% of its government schools. About ‘Vande Mataram’ On January 24, 1950, ‘Vande Mataram’ was officially adopted as the National Song of India by the Constituent Assembly of India. It was first published in Bangadarshan in 1875 and was subsequently incorporated into Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's novel, Anandamath, in 1882. In 1896, Rabindranath Tagore introduced the song to the public by singing it for the first time at the Indian National Congress session held in Calcutta. The Constitution of India does not explicitly mention the National Song. However, Article 51A(a) mandates respect for national symbols. In 1907, Bhikaji Cama unfurled the tricolor flag for the first time outside India, at Stuttgart in Berlin the words 'Vande Mataram' were inscribed on that flag. Cauvery Water Management Authority Context: The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) has ordered the Government of Karnataka to release 2.5 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet) of water to Tamil Nadu during the month of April. This order has been issued based on the final verdict delivered by the Supreme Court in…
