The Rajya Sabha on July 29, passed a bill that makes insulting the national song "Vande Mataram" a criminal offence. The legislation prescribes a punishment that may include a jail term up to three years, a fine, or both.
This step aims to safeguard the respect and dignity of national symbols and sentiments associated with "Vande Mataram." The bill now awaits approval in the Lok Sabha. Once passed there, it will be sent to the President of India for assent before becoming an official law.
The bill reflects the government’s effort to reinforce the importance of national pride and to deter acts considered disrespectful toward revered national emblems. No further details on the implementation timeline were disclosed.
