Government to criminalize insult to Vande Mataram

The Indian government is introducing a new law that will make it a crime to insult or disrupt the singing of Vande Mataram, the national song.

This law will treat Vande Mataram the same way as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.

If someone prevents or disturbs the singing of Vande Mataram, they could go to jail for up to three years or have to pay a fine.

Some political parties, like the CPM and Congress, are against this law.

They say it might cause problems and force people to show patriotism in a way that isn't voluntary.

The government says Vande Mataram is an important symbol of India's freedom struggle and national identity.

The song was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and first published in 1875.