business π Vande Mataram's new legal status explained
Parliament granted Vande Mataram the same criminal protection as the national anthem, according to a new amendment. This change happened after the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was passed by both Houses of Parliament. The law introduces penalties of up to three years' imprisonment for intentionally preventing or disturbing the singing of the song. However, the statute does not specify which stanzas must be sung, nor does it mandate participation in any version. This differs from the political rhetoric pushing for a complete recitation of all six stanzas. π