Cabinet Clears Amendment: Insulting Vande Mataram to Become Punishable Under Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act
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📌 Summary:
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Union Cabinet cleared an amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, to add Vande Mataram (National Song) to the list of protected national symbols
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Currently, the 1971 Act penalises insults to the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana), the National Flag, and the Constitution of India — with imprisonment up to 3 years or fine or both
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The amendment will make obstruction or insult to the singing of Vande Mataram a cognizable and non-bailable offence with similar punishment
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Vande Mataram (composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, 1882) was adopted as National Song at India's independence; SC ruled in 2016 that while it cannot be compelled, any deliberate insult can be penalised
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Key distinction: Jana Gana Mana is the National Anthem (Constitutional status); Vande Mataram is the National Song (no explicit Constitutional provision) — the amendment brings its protection closer to that of the Anthem
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Critics argue this may restrict free expression; proponents say national symbols deserve equal protection
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The amendment requires Parliamentary approval; likely to be introduced in Monsoon Session 2026
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UPSC Angle: Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act 1971, Fundamental Rights (Art. 19 vs. national symbols), Constitutional provisions for National Anthem vs National Song
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