The remarks came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging a West Bengal government notification that mandates the rendition of the complete Vande Mataram in madrasas. Responding to concerns that singing Vande Mataram could conflict with religious beliefs, the Acting Chief Justice made a pointed observation. “The national anthem stands on a higher pedestal when compared to the national song,” he submitted, arguing that the government could not impose compulsory singing of Vande Mataram. He submitted that the question of Vande Mataram had been extensively debated in Parliament. “This Vande Mataram issue was debated in the Lok Sabha last year in July for 12 hours… it was a very contentious issue.