A formal complaint has been lodged with the Delhi Police requesting the registration of an FIR against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for their alleged role in disrupting the rendition of the National Song “Vande Mataram” at an Independence Day event held at the AICC headquarters on August 15, 2023.
The complainants, advocates Kunal Vinayak and Shubh Sharma, submitted their plea on August 16, emphasizing that the police must investigate the situation impartially, ensuring that the implications of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, are thoroughly evaluated.
The complaint alleges that Sonia Gandhi, during the event at Indira Bhawan, made gestures indicating her disapproval of the rendition of “Vande Mataram”. The advocates claim that there are video footage and media reports supporting these allegations.
In addition, the complaint refers to another segment of video footage where Rahul Gandhi purportedly stated, “We are not singing Vande Mataram.” This claim has raised significant concerns, as it implies an intentional interference with a national symbol.
The primary focus of the complaint centers around the need for an investigation into the intent behind the actions of both leaders. It asserts that the allegations necessitate thorough scrutiny by the authorities.
The advocates invoke the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, designed to extend the legal protections available to the National Anthem to “Vande Mataram”. The amendment proposes penalties, including imprisonment of up to three years, or fines for individuals who intentionally disrupt the singing of these national symbols.
Furthermore, the complaint urges the police to first determine the legal status and effective date of this bill, particularly in relation to the incident and the filing of the complaint.
Referencing the Supreme Court’s 2018 judgment in Shyam Narayan Chouksey v. Union of India, the complainants highlight that the law penalizes anyone who deliberately obstructs the singing of the National Anthem or causes disruption during its performance.
The advocates’ request centers on one key demand: the registration of an FIR under the relevant legal provisions after verifying the applicability of the law. They seek a comprehensive, time-bound investigation into the matter.
Moreover, the complaint emphasizes the need for appropriate action against any individuals found culpable following the investigation. It also requests an official acknowledgment of the police’s actions regarding the filed complaint.
In a move to strengthen their case, the complainants reserve the right to present additional audiovisual evidence, witness accounts, and other pertinent materials to assist in the investigation when available.
