The Union government plans to introduce a Bill in the Monsoon Session to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 and give statutory protection to Vande Mataram. The proposal would make obstruction of, disturbance to, or insult of the singing of the National Song a punishable offence.
The proposal matters because it links a cultural symbol to criminal law and raises a familiar UPSC theme: how the State protects national symbols while remaining within constitutional limits on speech, expression, and public order.
Background and earlier position
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 already protects the National Anthem from insult and related acts. The current government proposal seeks to extend a similar statutory framework to Vande Mataram, which has long been recognised as the National Song.
The Home Ministry had already asked States to play or sing the song at official events where the National Anthem is rendered. The new proposal goes a step further by seeking penal consequences for obstruction or insult.
What changed now
Related current affairs
- Amid uproar, Parliament passes Bill making insult to National Song punishable
- RS passes Bill to criminalise disrespect to Vande Mataram
- RS passes Bill criminalising insult to Vande Mataram
- Amid Opp protests, House clears Bill criminalising insult to Vande Mataram
- ‘National Song shows India must embrace cultural nationalism’
- Letters to the Editor (Vande Mataram/Jana Gana Mana and anthem rendition principle)