The Centre is set to introduce the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, proposing legal protection for Vande Mataram similar to that enjoyed by the national anthem, the national flag and the Constitution. If passed, insulting, obstructing or disrupting the singing of the national song could attract imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.
The proposed amendment expands the ambit of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which currently penalises disrespect towards the national anthem, the Tricolour and the Constitution. The move comes as the Centre marks the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram with nationwide commemorative events.
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Earlier this year, the Union Home Ministry directed states to ensure the national song is played or sung at official functions where the national anthem is performed. More recently, it instructed that Vande Mataram should precede the national anthem whenever both are presented at government events and said all six stanzas should be sung.
The proposal has triggered political debate. The BJP has accused the Congress of undermining the national song in the past, while the Congress has defended historical decisions to use only the first two stanzas, citing consensus among leaders of the freedom movement. The bill is expected to generate heated discussions in Parliament.
