Shah introduces bill to jail offenders for insulting Vande Mataram up to 3 years
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Parliament & state legislatures· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to criminalize the insult or obstruction of the national song 'Vande Mataram'.
Background
The bill seeks to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. It proposes a maximum punishment of three years' imprisonment for offenders, bringing the national song under the same legal protections as the national anthem.
Facts for Prelims
- Act / BillPrevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971: Primary legislation protecting national symbols.
- FactProposed punishment: Up to 3 years of imprisonment for insulting Vande Mataram.
- ConstitutionNational Anthem (Jana Gana Mana) and National Song (Vande Mataram) are protected under the proposed amendment.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the constitutional validity and necessity of criminalizing the insult of national symbols to preserve national integrity.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Freedom of speech vs. National security: Balancing Article 19(1)(a) with the state's power to prevent public disorder.
- Legislative intent: Ensuring uniform legal protection for both the national anthem and the national song.
- Judicial oversight: Potential for arbitrary interpretation of 'insult' leading to suppression of legitimate dissent.
Keywords: National Integrity · Freedom of Speech · Legislative Amendment · Public Order · Constitutional Morality
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.