The Union government is preparing to introduce the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. The proposed legislation seeks to extend legal protection to Vande Mataram, making acts such as insulting, disrupting or preventing its rendition punishable under law.

If enacted, violations involving the national song could invite a prison term of up to three years, a monetary penalty, or both.

Amendment to Existing Law

The proposed legislation aims to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which currently prescribes punishment for disrespecting the national anthem, the national flag and the Constitution.

By including Vande Mataram within the scope of the Act, the government intends to place the national song on the same legal footing as these national symbols.

Move Comes During Anniversary Celebrations

The legislative proposal coincides with the government's observance of the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. Over the past year, the Centre has taken several steps to promote the song at official functions.

Earlier this year, the Union Home Ministry advised states to ensure that Vande Mataram is performed at official events where the national anthem is also played.

Fresh Guidelines on Performance Order

More recently, the Home Ministry reportedly instructed states that whenever both Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana are included in an official programme, the national song should be performed first.

The communication also stated that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram should be rendered, instead of only the opening verses that have traditionally been used at many public events.

Historical Debate Resurfaces

The question of how much of Vande Mataram should be officially performed has long been debated.

In 1937, the Congress leadership decided that only the first two stanzas would be used at its gatherings after concerns were raised by sections of the Muslim community over religious references appearing in the later verses.

That historical decision continues to feature in political discourse even today.

Political Parties Trade Charges

The BJP has defended the proposed amendment as an effort to formally recognise and protect the national song.

Party leaders have accused the Congress of diminishing Vande Mataram's significance in the past, while Congress has maintained that the decision regarding the song's usage was collectively taken by several national leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore.

The issue had also sparked heated exchanges during Parliament's previous session, with both sides offering contrasting interpretations of the song's historical role.

Likely to Spark Debate in Parliament

With the Bill expected to be introduced in the upcoming Monsoon Session, the proposal is likely to trigger intense political discussion. While the government says the amendment is intended to strengthen respect for a national symbol, opposition parties are expected to scrutinise both its legal implications and historical context.