Bill makes insult to Vande Mataram a crime

The Indian Parliament has passed the Vande Mataram Bill, criminalizing deliberate insult to the National Song with penalties of up to three years in prison, a fine, or both. The amendment extends legal protections similar to those of the National Anthem under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act. The legislation, passed during the 150th anniversary year of the song, was opposed by some lawmakers who disrupted proceedings over unrelated student arrests.