News: 2026 amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 extends criminal-law protection to Vande Mataram (National Song) against intentional prevention or disturbance of its singing.

Key Points

• Vande Mataram: Composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay; appears in Anandamath (1882).
• 1950: Jana Gana Mana became the National Anthem; Vande Mataram was accorded equal honour due to its role in the freedom struggle.
• 2026 Amendment: Prohibits intentionally preventing or disturbing singing of the National Anthem/National Song.
• Punishment: Up to 3 years imprisonment, fine, or both.
• Important: Protection of singing ≠ compulsory participation; the amendment does not mandate singing all six stanzas.

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 19(1)(a): Freedom of speech and expression, including freedom from compelled expression in appropriate circumstances.
• Article 25(1): Freedom of conscience and freedom of religion, subject to constitutional restrictions.
• Article 51A(a): Fundamental duty to respect the Constitution, National Flag and National Anthem.

Bijoe Emmanuel Case, 1986

• Supreme Court protected three Jehovah's Witness children who respectfully stood during the National Anthem but did not sing due to religious beliefs.
• Court held that respectful non-participation is not equivalent to disrespect or disruption.
• Fundamental duties cannot automatically override fundamental rights.