The Union Government is preparing to grant Vande Mataram legal protection similar to the National Anthem through amendments to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act.

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• The Union Cabinet led by Narendra Modi has proposed anthem-like legal status for Vande Mataram on its 150th anniversary.
• The proposal seeks amendments to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act to provide legal safeguards similar to those available for Jana Gana Mana.
• Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875, Vande Mataram became a major symbol of India’s freedom movement against British colonial rule.
• The song originally appeared in the novel Anandamath and later emerged as a powerful nationalist anthem during the independence struggle.
• India adopted Jana Gana Mana as the National Anthem in 1950 while Vande Mataram received the status of National Song from the Constituent Assembly.
• Current laws punish intentional disrespect towards the National Anthem, but similar explicit legal provisions do not presently exist for Vande Mataram.
• Under the proposed amendment, deliberate disruption, mockery, or disrespect during official renditions of Vande Mataram could become punishable offences.
• Proposed penalties may include imprisonment up to three years, monetary fines, or both, similar to punishments applicable for insulting the National Anthem.