Bijoe Emmanuel and others vs State of Kerala and others

Updates

1. Hearing26 Sep 2026

   Supreme Court reaffirms Bijoe Emmanuel precedent in new challenge regarding Vande Mataram

   In response to a petition challenging the legal mandate to sing all six stanzas of Vande Mataram, the Supreme Court has noted that it expects the precedent set by the 1986 Bijoe Emmanuel judgment to guide the current proceedings regarding freedom of speech and conscientious objection.

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   The Supreme Court decided that a past ruling on standing for the national song remains relevant.

   Who:

   The Supreme Court of India is the judicial body, and the petitioners are the people challenging the song mandate.

   When:

   Reported on 26 Sep 2026.

   Where:

   Kerala and the Supreme Court of India.

   Why:

   A new legal challenge claims there is a mandatory requirement to sing all stanzas of Vande Mataram.

   What it means:

   The court expects the old judgment regarding personal freedom and beliefs to guide the current legal proceedings.

   The Print
2. News15 Oct 2020

   Petitioner in landmark SC judgment dead

   V.J. Emmanuel, a retired college teacher, on whose petition the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment on the freedom of expression,...

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   A man who challenged a rule about singing the national anthem has passed away.

   Who:

   V.J. Emmanuel was a retired teacher and a petitioner who challenged a school ruling. The Supreme Court of India delivered a famous judgment on his case.

   When:

   Reported on 15 Oct 2020.

   Where:

   Kerala.

   Why:

   The report states that the petitioner has died.

   What it means:

   This marks the passing of the person who initiated this legal case regarding freedom of expression.

   The Hindu