Vande Mataram Gets Legal Status

President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the amendments providing legal protection to the national song Vande Mataram. Until now, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, provided statutory protection to the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.

Through the amendments, the Centre has extended similar legal protection to Vande Mataram. Under the amended provisions, both the national anthem and Vande Mataram will be required to be performed at official programmes, as applicable under the law.