Centre can't penalise for refusing to sing Vande Mataram on religious grounds: SC

The Supreme Court, while hearing a writ petition challenging the constitutional status of the National Song, Vande Mataram, said that the Centre cannot penalise individuals for refusing to sing it on religious grounds. The court noted that the song mentions Hindu deities, including Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Notably, the writ petition was filed by Carnatic Musician TN Krishna.