New Delhi: The amendment makes insulting the National Song, Vande Mataram, a criminal offence. It seeks to provide the song with legal protection similar to the safeguards already available to the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
The legislation amends the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. The existing law penalises intentional disrespect towards the National Flag, the Constitution and the National Anthem. It provides for punishment of up to three years in prison, a fine, or both. Repeat offenders face a minimum one-year prison term.
The amendment extends these statutory protections to the National Song for the first time. Under the new provision, deliberate insult to Vande Mataram or intentional disruption of its singing will constitute a criminal offence.
