Lok Sabha Passes Bill Criminalising Insult to Vande Mataram
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Lok Sabha has cleared a bill to criminalise insult to Vande Mataram, expanding the scope of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act. This move aims to protect the national song from disrespect, similar to existing protections for the national anthem.
Background
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act currently prohibits intentional prevention of singing the national anthem (Jana Gana Mana) or causing disturbance to such assemblies. The new bill extends similar protection to Vande Mataram, which has the same status as the national anthem under the Constitution.
Key facts
The bill criminalises insult to Vande Mataram, the national song of India.
It amends the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
Currently, the Act only covers the national anthem (Jana Gana Mana).
Vande Mataram was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and adopted as the national song in 1937.
The bill was cleared by the Lok Sabha and will now go to the Rajya Sabha.
Offences under the Act are cognizable and non-bailable.
Penalties include imprisonment up to three years and/or fine.
The Act also covers insult to the Indian flag and the Constitution.
Prelims pointers
- Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971
- Vande Mataram – national song of India
- Jana Gana Mana – national anthem
- Bankim Chandra Chatterjee – author of Vande Mataram
- Cognizable and non-bailable offence
- Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
Mains angles
- Discuss the need for legal protection of national symbols and its impact on freedom of speech.
- Critically examine the expansion of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act.
- Analyse the constitutional status of national song vs national anthem.