Amid Centre push to penalise Vande Mataram ‘insult’, 1,102 arrests, 60 convictions since 2014
Source Entity
Anjishnu Das
The Indian government has introduced a bill in the Rajya Sabha to criminalize insults to the national song 'Vande Mataram'. This move coincides with a parliamentary deadlock over the NEET paper leak controversy.
Legislative Shift: Protecting 'Vande Mataram'
In a significant legislative move during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Union government has introduced an amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. The proposed bill aims to extend statutory protection to the national song, 'Vande Mataram,' effectively placing it on the same legal pedestal as the national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana.' Under the proposed provisions, any act deemed an insult to the national song would be classified as a criminal offence, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to five years.
Parliamentary Stagnation and Political Friction
The introduction of this bill occurs against the backdrop of a highly volatile parliamentary environment. The first week of the Monsoon Session has been characterized by a total washout, as Opposition members, including leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi, and TMC MP Sagarika Ghose, have maintained intense pressure on the government. The primary catalyst for this disruption is a demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, stemming from widespread allegations and protests surrounding recent high-stakes examination paper leaks.
The Legal Landscape: NCRB Data Analysis
While the government seeks to expand the scope of the 1971 Act, historical data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) suggests a complex landscape regarding enforcement. Since 2014, authorities have recorded 1,102 arrests under the existing framework of the Act. However, the data reveals a stark discrepancy between arrests and successful litigation; only 60 convictions have been recorded in the same decade-long period. This trend highlights the challenges in securing legal outcomes under the current statute, despite a year-over-year increase in pending cases.
Broader Implications for National Symbols
By elevating 'Vande Mataram' to a status protected by criminal law, the government is signaling a broader policy shift toward the strict preservation of national identity symbols. Historically, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act has served as the primary instrument for prosecuting acts such as the burning or mutilation of the national flag or the disruption of the national anthem. This amendment reflects a deepening of that mandate, likely intended to foster a stronger sense of patriotic adherence through judicial deterrence.
Future Trends and Judicial Challenges
Looking forward, the implementation of this amendment will likely face scrutiny regarding the definition of 'insult' and the potential for misuse. Given the low conviction rate cited by the NCRB, critics may argue that strengthening the law without addressing the procedural bottlenecks of the Indian judicial system could lead to increased arrests without a corresponding rise in accountability. As the Monsoon Session continues, the interplay between this legislative push and the ongoing political protests over the paper leak issue will remain a defining feature of the current parliamentary session.
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