New Delhi, August 1: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) expressed concern on Friday regarding the amendment bill passed in Parliament. This bill makes the alleged disrespect of ‘Vande Mataram‘ a punishable offense.
The AIMPLB labeled this move as contrary to the constitutional, secular, and democratic spirit of the nation.
According to the board, imposing a specific religious concept or belief on all citizens through law contradicts the fundamental essence of the Indian Constitution.
AIMPLB spokesperson SQR Ilyas stated that any attempt to legally enforce ‘Vande Mataram’ on all communities and religious groups is objectionable and constitutes a serious attack on citizens’ religious freedom.
Ilyas emphasized that love for the motherland and worship of the motherland are two entirely different concepts.
He pointed out that Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees every citizen the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate their religion, while Article 19 ensures freedom of expression.
He clarified that these constitutional safeguards mean that no citizen can be compelled to adopt or participate in any song, slogan, ideology, or symbol that goes against their religious beliefs and conscience.
In a statement, he noted that Muslims love their country deeply and consider their love for the motherland part of their civic and moral duty, but they cannot regard the nation as a deity.
He urged the central government not to take sensitive and divisive steps. Instead, the government should focus on addressing the country’s real issues, such as unemployment, inflation, poverty, education, healthcare, economic inequality, and social injustice.
Ilyas concluded that a strong and united India can only be achieved when every citizen receives equal respect, justice, and freedom, where patriotism is not judged through the lens of religious beliefs.
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