The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) seeks the withdrawal of the directive or exemption for Muslim students
NEW DELHI — The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has opposed the West Bengal government’s order making it compulsory for students to recite all stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ during morning assemblies in government schools and recognised madrasas.
The board has called for the notification to be withdrawn immediately or for Muslim students to be granted a complete exemption, saying the directive violates fundamental constitutional rights and runs counter to judicial precedent.
“The West Bengal government’s decision is not only contrary to the spirit of the Constitution but also inconsistent with India’s secular and democratic traditions,” AIMPLB said in a statement on Tuesday.
AIMPLB spokesperson Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas argued that compelling students to recite any text that conflicts with their faith infringes on constitutional safeguards.
“Compelling any student to recite a song or text that is contrary to his or her religious beliefs constitutes a clear violation of Fundamental Rights guaranteed under Articles 19, 25, and 28(3) of the Constitution,” Ilyas said.
He noted that the Constitution protects individual conscience and religious freedom, particularly in state-run or government-aided schools.
Citing the Supreme Court’s judgment in Bijoe Emmanuel vs State of Kerala, the board said students cannot be forced to participate in practices that violate their sincerely held beliefs.
“Such directives are inconsistent with the Supreme Court’s ruling, which clearly protects the right of students to abstain from compulsory participation in such practices,” Ilyas added.
The AIMPLB stated that some verses of ‘Vande Mataram’ are viewed by Muslims as incompatible with the Islamic principle of Tawhid, or monotheism. It said mandating the full recitation could impact students’ religious identity and personal freedom.
The board urged Muslim students, parents, and teachers in West Bengal to be aware of their constitutional rights and to pursue legal recourse if pressured to comply.
“We appeal to students and guardians to understand their rights under the Constitution and approach legal forums if needed,” the statement said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari defended the policy, saying residents must respect national symbols and sing the song. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also backed the directive, adding that ‘Vande Mataram’ should not be politicised.
Other Muslim organisations, including Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, have previously opposed mandatory full recitations of the song, citing similar concerns over constitutional and religious freedom.
