Vande Mataram gets legal shield: Sing disruption now jail for up to 3 years

Why in news

President Droupadi Murmu approved a Bill criminalising the disruption of 'Vande Mataram', granting it legal protection similar to the national anthem.

Background

The bill provides for up to three years of imprisonment or fines for offenders. It aligns the protection of 'Vande Mataram' with the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act.

Facts for Prelims

• Act / BillPrevention of Insults to National Honour Act: Law protecting national symbols from desecration.
• FactPunishment for disrupting Vande Mataram: Up to 3 years of imprisonment or fine.
• FactVande Mataram will be sung at Red Fort's Independence Day function for the first time.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the significance of protecting national symbols and how such legislation balances the preservation of national integrity with the right to freedom of expression.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• constitutional safeguards
• national integrity vs. free speech
• legal precedents for national symbols

Keywords: National Integrity · Freedom of Expression · Legislative Protection · Constitutional Morality

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