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President assents to Vande Mataram protection Bill
The Hindu··11 Aug
President Droupadi Murmu on August 11 gave assent to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Amendment Bill, 2026. It criminalises intentionally preventing or disturbing the singing of Vande Mataram, matching protections already given to Jana Gana Mana. Lok Sabha passed the Bill on July 30 after Rajya Sabha cleared it a day earlier. Details emerged on Tuesday.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Intentionally disrupting Vande Mataram singing now carries the same statutory penalties as anthem disruptions.
- Schools and official events already face Home Ministry protocols on stanza order and standing at attention.
- Independence Day viewers can expect Vande Mataram from the Red Fort ramparts under the ministry plan.
What's Happening
- Presidential assent on August 11 made the national song amendment into law.
- The change extends Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act protections to Vande Mataram.
- Parliament had cleared the Bill at the end of July before the assent.
From Freedom Song Status to Statutory Parity
- Constituent Assembly leaders treated Vande Mataram as equal in honour to the anthem without identical criminal cover.
- Recent ministry orders standardised six stanza timing and sequence at official ceremonies.
- The amendment closes the gap between ceremonial honour and enforceable disruption offences.
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