Insulting Vande Mataram Could Mean Up to 3 Years in Jail Under New Bill by Amit Shah

The central government is bringing a new Bill in Parliament's Monsoon Session that proposes up to 3 years in jail and a fine for insulting Vande Mataram, aiming to give it legal protection on par with the national anthem.

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.

What this means for you
This Bill could directly affect ordinary citizens' everyday conduct, particularly around public expression and social media commentary.

• Across India: If passed, the Bill would mean any act or comment deemed insulting to Vande Mataram could attract legal action, including up to 3 years in jail and a fine.
• Across India: The issue is likely to dominate debate in the Monsoon Session, since some opposition MPs have already called for the Bill to be withdrawn, setting up a contentious parliamentary fight.

Questions & Answers

1. What is this new Bill about?
It is a Bill that would make insulting Vande Mataram a criminal offence, punishable by up to 3 years in jail along with a fine.

2. Who is introducing the Bill?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to introduce the Bill in Parliament's Monsoon Session.

3. Which House will the Bill be introduced in?
According to news reports, the Bill is expected to be introduced in the Rajya Sabha.

4. Why is this Bill being brought now?
About three months ago the Supreme Court said not singing Vande Mataram carried no penal provision under existing law, prompting the Centre to draft this new Bill.

5. Is there opposition to the Bill?
Yes, Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas has urged the central government to withdraw the Bill.

6. How could this affect ordinary people?
If enacted, the law could lead to legal action, including jail time, against people accused of insulting Vande Mataram.

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