Union Cabinet approves amendment to Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act for Vande Mataram

Key facts

• The Union Cabinet approved amending the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act to place the National Song, Vande Mataram, on par with the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
• Vande Mataram was penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875, while Jana Gana Mana was composed by Rabindranath Tagore.
• The amendment extends legal protections to Vande Mataram, making disruptions or disrespectful acts legally enforceable rather than just advisory.
• Acts of disruption include interrupting the song (shouting slogans, playing loud music, making noise, organising protests), mocking or parodying (jokes, gestures, mimicking, altering lyrics), refusing protocol (remaining seated, walking around, talking loudly), and disrupting institutional events (school assemblies, government functions, official ceremonies).
• Penalties for such acts include up to 3 years imprisonment, a fine, or both.