Bill to criminalize insult to Vande Mataram introduced

The Indian government introduced a bill in the Rajya Sabha to amend the Prevention of Insult to National Honour Act, 1971, to include Vande Mataram among protected national symbols. Opposition MPs John Brittas and Sandosh Kumar opposed, arguing the bill undermines the Constituent Assembly's intent and seeks to polarize society. The amendment carries penalties up to three years imprisonment.