• “Therefore, we do not intend to enter into any debate as far as a national song is concerned,” says Bench.

• “There is no concept of a ‘national song’,” the Supreme Court observed on Friday.

• The court rejected a plea to direct the Central government to frame a national policy under Article 51A (fundamental duties) of the Constitution to promote and propagate the National Anthem, the National Flag and a ‘national song’.

• “Article 51A only mentions the National Flag and the National Anthem. The Article does not refer to a national song,” .

• “Therefore, we do not intend to enter into any debate as far as a national song is concerned,” the Bench, also comprising Justices R. Banumathi and S.M. Mallikarjunagouda, observed.

• The plea by Mr. Upadhyay said that India is a Union of States and not an association or confederation of States.

• The court also rejected a prayer to make the rendering of the National Anthem compulsory in offices, courts, legislative houses and Parliament.

• However, the court “kept alive” the plea that schools should play or sing the National Anthem on working days.

• “Barring the singing of the National Anthem on schools on every working day, other prayers stand rejected,” Justice Misra said.

Source:The Hindu