The Union Cabinet has approved an amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 to make obstruction to the singing of Vande Mataram a punishable offence.

• The move aims to provide the National Song the same statutory protection currently available to the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana.

What is the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971?

• The Act was enacted to protect:
  • The National Flag
  • The Constitution of India
  • The National Anthem
• It punishes acts such as:
  • Burning or damaging the National Flag
  • Insulting the Constitution
  • Intentionally disturbing the singing of the National Anthem
• Punishment can include:
  • Imprisonment up to three years, fine or both.

What is the New Amendment About?

• The proposed amendment seeks to extend similar legal protection to Vande Mataram.
• Any deliberate obstruction or disturbance during the singing of the National Song may now become punishable after Parliament approves the amendment.
• The amendment reflects the government’s effort to strengthen respect for national symbols and patriotic heritage.

About Vande Mataram

• • Vande Mataram was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and was published in his novel Anandamath in 1882.

• The central plot of the novel ‘Ananda Math’ revolves around a group of Sanyasins known as Santanas (children), who dedicate their lives to the cause of their motherland.

• It was first published on 7 November in Bengali magazine Bangadarshan edited by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
• In 1907, Madam Bhikaji Cama raised the tricolour flag for the first-time outside India in Stuttgart, Berlin. The words Vande Mataram were written on the flag.
• Vande Mataram, as a political slogan, was first used on 7 August 1905.
• It was first sung by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 Congress Session in Calcutta (presided by Rahimtullah M Sayani).
• On 24 January 1950, the Constituent Assembly adopted:
  • Jana Gana Mana as the National Anthem
  • Vande Mataram as the National Song

• Its english translation is done by Sir Shri Aurobindo.
• It was set to music by Rabindranath Tagore. 
• The song praises the motherland and symbolizes: Patriotism, National unity & Cultural pride
• Only the first two stanzas are officially recognized as the National Song.
• This year (Nov 07, 2025) marks the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.
• 150 years of Vande Mataram was the theme of the parade. 
• A series of paintings created by Shri Tejendra Kumar Mitra in 1923, illustrating the verses of ‘Vande Mataram’ and published in the ‘Bande Mataram Album’ (1923), was displayed as view-cutters along Kartavya Path during RDP 2026.

Exam Hook –Prelims Question

Q. With reference to “Vande Mataram”, consider the following statements:

1. It was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
2. It was originally published in the novel Anandamath.
3. The entire song has been officially adopted as the National Song of India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

One-line Wrap

The proposed amendment seeks to strengthen legal respect for Vande Mataram, a song deeply linked with India’s freedom struggle and national identity.