The central government is preparing to make insulting Vande Mataram a punishable offence. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to introduce a new Bill in Parliament's Monsoon Session that proposes a jail term of up to 3 years along with a fine for anyone found insulting Vande Mataram.
According to news reports, the Bill is expected to be introduced in the Rajya Sabha and is aimed at granting Vande Mataram legal protection equal to that of the national anthem. Until now, there was no direct penal provision in law specifically covering insults to Vande Mataram.
Why the change now
About three months ago, the Supreme Court had clarified that not singing Vande Mataram carried no penal provision under existing law. Following that ruling, the Centre decided to draft a fresh Bill that would specifically criminalise insulting Vande Mataram.
Opposition pushes back
The proposed Bill has already drawn opposition. Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas has urged the central government to withdraw the Bill.
Setting the stage for the Monsoon Session
Ahead of the start of the Monsoon Session, the Lok Sabha Speaker chaired a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee, stressing the importance of constructive deliberations in the House. With this Bill now on the table, it is likely to become one of the most closely watched issues of the session.
