Parliament has passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Bill, a move that extends legal protection to the national song Vande Mataram. The measure was cleared on Thursday after political debate over how national symbols should be treated under law.
Supporters of the bill argued that Vande Mataram deserves stronger protection as part of India’s national heritage. The BJP defended the amendment during the discussion, framing it as an effort to safeguard national honour.
The DMK opposed the bill, saying it raised concerns about division and possible imposition. Its objections reflected a broader political sensitivity around the use of national symbols and the balance between national identity and regional or cultural differences.
With Parliament passing the amendment, Vande Mataram now comes under wider legal protection through the updated national honour law. The debate around the bill also highlighted continuing differences among parties over symbolism, identity and the role of legislation in matters linked to patriotism.
