The Centre is set to provide Vande Mataram, India's National Song, with legal protection similar to that currently accorded to the National Anthem under existing law. The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, enabling the government to make insulting or deliberately disrupting the singing of Vande Mataram a punishable offence.
The proposed Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill is expected to be introduced during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which begins on July 20. If enacted, it would be the first legislation to explicitly extend statutory protection to the National Song.
The amendment seeks to broaden the ambit of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which currently safeguards the National Flag, the Constitution of India and the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
At present, the law prescribes a punishment of up to three years' imprisonment, a fine, or both for anyone who intentionally prevents the singing of the National Anthem or causes disruption during its rendition.
Under the proposed changes, the same legal provisions would apply to Vande Mataram. Anyone found guilty of intentionally insulting the National Song or deliberately obstructing or disrupting its singing could face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.
The amendment, however, has not yet become law. It must first be introduced in Parliament, debated and passed by both Houses before receiving the President's assent.
The proposed legislation comes as part of a wider initiative by the Centre to strengthen the recognition of Vande Mataram and commemorate its historical significance.
Earlier this year, the government launched a nationwide campaign marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, acknowledging its contribution to India's freedom movement. Ministries, educational institutions and government organisations have been encouraged to organise cultural programmes, discussions and public events highlighting the song's role in inspiring the struggle for independence.
The Centre has also called for broader public participation in singing Vande Mataram during official ceremonies and commemorative programmes as part of the anniversary celebrations. The proposed amendment is being viewed as another measure aimed at giving the National Song greater legal recognition and protection.
Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the 1870s and later published in his 1882 novel Anandamath, Vande Mataram emerged as one of the defining slogans of India's freedom movement.
Throughout the struggle against British rule, the song was sung at political meetings, protest marches and sessions of the Indian National Congress, inspiring countless freedom fighters in the fight for independence.
