President's Nod Gives Vande Mataram Same Legal Protection as National Anthem
What Happened
President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, making it law. The amendment extends the same legal protection enjoyed by the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana) to the National Song (Vande Mataram). Parliament had passed the Bill last month, amending the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
Key Takeaways
With the amendment now law, Vande Mataram receives statutory protection equivalent to the National Anthem, elevating its legal status under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act.