‘Vande Mataram’ Accorded National Honour; Disrespect to Invite punishment 

President Droupadi Murmu Gives Assent to Amendment Bill; National Song Accorded Jan Gan Man Status

Mumbai, August 12: Insulting the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ will now be treated as a criminal offence, following President Droupadi Murmu’s assent to a legislative amendment passed by both Houses of Parliament.

The amendment gives ‘Vande Mataram’ a status equivalent to that of the national anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’. The legislation was passed by Parliament and subsequently sent to the President for her approval. With the President’s assent, the provisions have now become part of law.

According to the new provisions, the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ will be incorporated into important national ceremonies and official programmes, including the arrival of the President, the hoisting of the national flag and addresses by the Governor.

The song, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, played an important role in India’s freedom struggle and became a powerful symbol of patriotism during the national movement. The government has now accorded it the same formal respect as the national anthem.

Punishment for Disrespect

The amended law also provides for punishment in cases involving deliberate disrespect or insult to ‘Vande Mataram’. Such an offence may attract imprisonment of up to three years, along with other penalties prescribed under the law.

The legislation was approved by the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on July 29 and subsequently by the Lok Sabha on July 30 before being sent to the President for assent.

The move is expected to give ‘Vande Mataram’ a formal constitutional and legal status comparable to that accorded to ‘Jana Gana Mana’. The government has emphasised the song’s historic contribution to India’s freedom movement and its role in fostering national unity and patriotism.

The development marks a significant change in the legal framework governing respect for the country’s national symbols and is aimed at ensuring that ‘Vande Mataram’ receives the same level of dignity and respect as the national anthem.