Centre approves proposal to grant Vande Mataram legal status equal to national anthem

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Narendra Modi, has approved a proposal to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, to grant Vande Mataram legal status equivalent to the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana. The proposed amendment to Section 3 of the Act would make intentional disruption during the singing of Vande Mataram, or acts considered insulting toward the national song, punishable with imprisonment, fine, or both.

Under the existing law, individuals who intentionally prevent the singing of the national anthem or disturb an assembly engaged in its performance can face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both. Repeat offences can attract a minimum imprisonment term of one year. The proposed amendment would extend similar legal protection to Vande Mataram. Earlier amendments to the Act in 2005 had introduced restrictions on disrespectful use of the national flag.

The decision came a day after the Bharatiya Janata Party secured victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections. Government discussions regarding the legal status of Vande Mataram had gained momentum during a special parliamentary discussion held in December last year on the occasion of the song’s 150th anniversary. During the session, several Members of Parliament demanded that the national song be accorded legal status equivalent to the national anthem.

The song, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, has remained a significant political and cultural symbol in India’s nationalist movement and contemporary political discourse. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued guidelines recommending the singing of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram during major government functions and official programmes.

If passed by Parliament, the amendment would place Vande Mataram under the same category of legal protection currently provided to the national anthem, the Constitution and the national flag. The proposed legal changes would apply to acts involving disruption, insult or disrespect during the performance or observance of the national song under the amended provisions of the Act.