Vande Mataram | Hyderabad, July 29 (Maxim News): The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Vande Mataram Amendment Bill, paving the way for stronger legal protection for the national song Vande Mataram.
The Bill seeks to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, making the intentional insult of or disruption during the singing of Vande Mataram a punishable offence under law.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai introduced the Bill in the Upper House on July 24. Following an extensive debate, the Rajya Sabha approved the legislation on Wednesday. The Bill will now move to the next stage of the legislative process before becoming law.
The proposed amendment aims to extend legal safeguards for Vande Mataram on par with those already available for the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana. The Centre said the legislation is intended to uphold the dignity and respect of one of India’s most significant national symbols.
Vande Mataram | Bill Seeks Equal Legal Protection for National Song
According to the government, the amendment introduces provisions under which anyone found intentionally insulting Vande Mataram or deliberately disrupting its rendition could face legal action. The move is part of broader amendments to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
Replying during the debate, Minister Nityanand Rai said the objective of the Bill is to ensure that Vande Mataram, which holds immense historical and national significance, receives the same level of legal protection as Jana Gana Mana.
The government maintained that the legislation is aimed at preserving the dignity of national symbols while reinforcing respect for India’s cultural and constitutional heritage.
The passage of the Bill in the Rajya Sabha marks a significant legislative step toward strengthening legal provisions related to the protection of the national song. Once the remaining legislative formalities are completed, the amended law will come into force.
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