In its latest ruling, Madras High Court on Tuesday ordered that the national song 'Vande Matram' must be played in all schools, colleges/universities and govt/private offices, reported ANI.
As per the reports, the court ruled that the national song should be sung at least once a week in schools and colleges in Tamil Nadu, preferably on Monday or Friday. The Madras HC also ordered that the song must be played and sung at least once a month in offices.
"Vande Matharam" be played and sung in all Govt Offices and Institutions/Pvt companies/Factories&Industries at least once a month:Madras HC
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 25, 2017
Also Read:Madras High Court Just Heard A Dispute Over Whether Vande Mataram Was Written In Bengali Or Sanskrit
However, the ruling also stated if anyone has difficulty in singing the song, they shall not be compelled or forced, if they have valid reasons.
Justice M V Muralidharan also reportedly directed the Director of Public Information to upload and circulate the translated version of "Vande Matharam" in Tamil & English "if people feel it is difficult to sing the song in Bengali or in Sanskrit."
In the judgment, Muralidharan further said it is important to instill patriotism in today's youth. "The fact that this country is our Motherland should always be remembered by every citizen of this country."
The court was addressing a plea filed by petitioner K Veeramani, who had claimed that he lost marks for answering that the national song was penned in Bengali in the Teacher's Recruitment Board examination.
He had moved the court after his answer 'Bengali' to the objective type question was declared wrong by the board. He was awarded 89 marks against the minimum 90 to be eligible for appointment.
In December last year, the supreme court had pronounced that the National Anthem must be played in all cinema halls across the country and that the National Flag be shown on the screen when the anthem is played.
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