A complaint has emerged in Delhi, seeking the registration of an FIR against prominent Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. This move follows an alleged disruption during the rendition of the national song “Vande Mataram” at an Independence Day event held at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters on August 15.
The complaint, submitted by advocates Kunal Vinayak and Shubh Sharma on August 16, requests police to ascertain the appropriateness of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026. This bill aims to extend the legal protections around the National Anthem to the National Song, implicating serious consequences for those who intentionally disrupt such performances.
According to the complaint, which aims for a thorough investigation into both leaders’ actions, Sonia Gandhi made gestures suggesting her disapproval of the ongoing rendition of “Vande Mataram.” Video footage and reports are cited as evidence of this alleged behavior. Additionally, it claims that Rahul Gandhi stated, “We are not singing Vande Mataram” during the performance.
The complainants assert that the intentions behind the actions of the two leaders necessitate a formal examination by law enforcement. They invoke the impending amendment, which stipulates up to three years’ imprisonment or fines for those who interrupt the National Anthem or National Song.
Crucially, the complaint emphasizes that police must first determine the status of the proposed amendment prior to pursuing any legal action. The timing of the amendment’s enactment, both in relation to the incident and the filing of the complaint, needs thorough scrutiny.
The legal framework refers to the Supreme Court’s ruling in the 2018 case of Shyam Narayan Chouksey v. Union of India. This precedential verdict clarifies the legal consequences of disrupting public performances of the National Anthem.
The main outcome sought includes the registration of an FIR, alongside a comprehensive inquiry into the actions of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. The complaint also requests actionable steps against individuals found culpable, along with prompt acknowledgment of the police’s measures taken in response.
Furthermore, the advocates have indicated their readiness to submit supplementary audiovisual material, witness information, and additional pertinent evidence as it becomes available. This underscores the serious nature of the allegations and the advocates’ determination for accountability.
