Following its sweeping victory in West Bengal and Assam, the Union Cabinet chaired by Narendra Modi has approved a proposal to grant the national song Vande Mataram a status equal to the national anthem Jana Gana Mana.
The decision was taken during the first Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday after the election results in the 4 states and 1 union territory – West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry. Ministers also congratulated the Prime Minister for what they described as a historic win in West Bengal.
As per the officials, the government has approved amendments to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act to bring Vande Mataram under the same legal framework that currently protects the national anthem. Once implemented, any act of disrespect or obstruction during the singing of Vande Mataram will be treated as a cognizable offence.
At present, the law provides for punishment in cases involving insult to the national flag, the Constitution, or the national anthem, with penalties including imprisonment, fines, or both. The proposed amendment will extend these provisions to Vande Mataram, meaning violations could attract similar legal consequences.
Under existing rules, any individual who intentionally prevents or disrupts the singing of the national anthem can face imprisonment of up to 3 years, a fine, or both. Repeat offenders are liable for a minimum of one year in jail. These provisions are expected to apply to the national song as well once the amendment comes into force.
Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, holds a special place in India’s freedom movement and cultural history. The move also comes at a time when the country is marking the 150th anniversary of the iconic composition, adding symbolic weight to the Cabinet’s decision.
Officials noted that similar amendments were made in 2005 to curb disrespectful use of the national flag. The demand to grant ‘Vande Mataram’ equal status had also been raised during a special discussion in Parliament in December last year, coinciding with its 150th anniversary.
The proposed amendment is expected to be introduced in Parliament soon. If passed, it will mark a major shift in how India legally recognises and protects its national symbols.
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Published By:
Ritaban Misra
Published On:
May 6, 2026 15:50 IST
