Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 17: The Union government is set to introduce a Bill in Parliament to grant Vande Mataram, India's National Song, the same legal protection currently accorded to the National Anthem under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.

The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to amend the existing law, making the intentional insult of Vande Mataram or deliberate obstruction or disruption of its singing a punishable offence. The proposed Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill is expected to be introduced during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, beginning on July 20.

At present, the 1971 Act protects the National Flag, the Constitution of India and the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana. Any person found intentionally preventing the singing of the National Anthem or causing disturbances during its rendition can face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.

The proposed amendment seeks to extend the same legal safeguards to Vande Mataram. If enacted, those found guilty of insulting the National Song or deliberately disrupting its singing could face identical penalties.

The Bill, however, is yet to become law. It must be passed by both Houses of Parliament and receive the President's assent before coming into force.

The move comes as part of the Centre's broader initiative to commemorate 150 years of Vande Mataram. Earlier this year, the government launched a nationwide campaign encouraging ministries, educational institutions and government bodies to organise programmes highlighting the song's historic role in India's freedom movement.

Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the 1870s and published in his novel Anandamath in 1882, Vande Mataram emerged as one of the most powerful slogans during India's struggle for independence. It was adopted as the National Song by the Constituent Assembly on January 24, 1950, the same day Jana Gana Mana was adopted as the National Anthem.

Only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram enjoy official status, as the later verses contain religious imagery that has been the subject of debate over the years.

The proposed amendment does not make singing Vande Mataram compulsory. Instead, it seeks to penalise deliberate acts of insult or obstruction during its rendition. The legislation is expected to be debated extensively in Parliament, with possible constitutional discussions on issues relating to freedom of speech and freedom of conscience if it is enacted.