A complaint lodged with the Delhi Police on August 16 seeks the registration of an FIR against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi over their alleged disruption of the National Song “Vande Mataram” at an Independence Day function held at the AICC headquarters on August 15.
The complaint, filed by advocates Kunal Vinayak and Shubh Sharma, calls for the police to determine the legal applicability and status of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, prior to conducting a fair, impartial, and timely investigation into the actions of the two Congress leaders.
According to the complaint, Sonia Gandhi was present at the function and made gestures that implied disapproval of the performance of “Vande Mataram”. The complainants cite video evidence reportedly showing her communicating with attendees in a manner that cast doubt on her support for the rendition.
Specific reference in the complaint also points to an assertion made by Rahul Gandhi, who allegedly remarked, “We are not singing Vande Mataram” during the song’s performance.
The legal implications of these actions have drawn attention to the National Honour Amendment Bill, which, if enacted, would extend penal protections to both the National Anthem and National Song. This bill proposes imprisonment of up to three years for individuals who intentionally disrupt these performances during national gatherings.
The complaint stresses the need for investigation into the intentions underlying the alleged behaviors of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. It calls for the police to first clarify the legal standing of the proposed amendment as it relates to the incident, ensuring that any inquiries align with the appropriate legal framework.
Furthermore, the complainants urge consideration of the Supreme Court’s judgment in Shyam Narayan Chouksey v. Union of India, which addresses the legal consequences of obstructing the singing of the National Anthem or similarly disruptive actions.
In essence, the complaint seeks not just the registration of an FIR but also a thorough investigation following any legal determinations. It demands accountability from those found responsible and requests official acknowledgment from the police regarding the progress on this complaint.
The complainants reserve the right to submit additional audiovisual material, witness accounts, and other relevant evidence to support their case, ensuring they bolster their claims as the inquiry progresses.
