Opposition condemns Rajya Sabha’s bill making insults to Vande Mataram punishable, equating its protection with that of the national anthem

The Rajya Sabha passed a new bill granting Vande Mataram the same legal protection as the national anthem. This law makes insulting the song a criminal offence punishable by fines or jail time. While the government aims to safeguard national dignity, opposition members argue the law violates fundamental rights and threatens regional identity by forcing the song at official events.