Madras High Court Mandates Playing Vande Mataram for Independence Day 2026 as Bar Association Raises State Song Concerns
The Madras High Court administration has directed all judicial units across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to play the national song, Vande Mataram, prior to the national anthem during the Independence Day celebrations on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
What Happened
According to an official circular issued by the High Court Registrar General, Deepthi Arivunithi, the decision to incorporate the singing or playing of Vande Mataram follows an advisory issued by the Union Government under the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign 2026’ to commemorate 150 years of the national song.
The protocol outlined in the circular applies to the principal seat of the High Court in Chennai, the Madurai Bench, all district judicial units in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, as well as the Tamil Nadu Judicial Academy campus in Chennai and its regional centres in Madurai and Coimbatore.
The circular established a specific sequence for the event: the national song must be played first, followed by the unfurling of the national flag, and concluded with the playing or singing of the national anthem.
Key Highlights
- Official Directive: Registrar General Deepthi Arivunithi issued instructions detailing the ceremonial sequence for Independence Day 2026.
- Order of Ceremony: The procedure mandates playing Vande Mataram first, followed by the flag hoisting ceremony, and then the national anthem.
- Jurisdiction Covered: The instructions apply to the Chennai principal bench, the Madurai Bench, all district courts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, and the state judicial academy centres.
- 150-Year Commemoration: The inclusion aligns with central guidelines under the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign 2026’ celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram.
- Legal Fraternity Representation: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court Bar Association (MMBA) has raised concerns over the omission of the state song, Tamil Thai Vazhthu.
Why This Matters
The absence of any reference to the Tamil Nadu state song, Tamil Thai Vazhthu, in the circular has drawn attention from members of the legal community. The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court Bar Association sent a formal representation to the Registrar General highlighting the issue.
In a communication signed by MMBA General Secretary P. Jessi Jeeva Priya, the association noted that playing Tamil Thai Vazhthu at the start of all High Court functions is a long-standing convention. The association also cited a Government Order dated August 12, 2026, which made the rendition of the state song mandatory during specified events, emphasizing the High Court’s role in upholding constitutional values and regional cultural heritage.
What to Watch Next
Following the formal submission by the Madurai Bench Bar Association requesting the inclusion of the state song in the official order of events, any subsequent response or updated notification from the Madras High Court administration remains the primary development to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Vande Mataram added to the Independence Day schedule?
The High Court administration included Vande Mataram in response to a Union Government advisory issued under the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign 2026’ marking 150 years of the national song.
What is the sequence of events outlined by the Madras High Court?
The circular specifies that the national song Vande Mataram must be rendered first, followed by the hoisting of the national flag, and then the national anthem.
What concern was raised by the Madurai Bench Bar Association?
The association expressed concern over the omission of the state song, Tamil Thai Vazhthu, citing established convention and an August 12, 2026 Government Order regarding its mandatory playing.
Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.