- The Rajya Sabha passed a bill criminalising the insult to India's national song, 'Vande Mataram', amidst strong protests and opposition from opposition members. - The legislation introduces penal consequences for showing disrespect or insulting the national song, raising important questions about freedom of speech, nationalism, and legislative boundaries. - Opposition parties strongly protested the passage of the bill, pointing to procedural issues and concerns regarding democratic dissent and free expression. - The move highlights ongoing debates surrounding statutory enforcement of patriotism versus constitutional fundamental duties and civil liberties. - **Bill criminalising insult to Vande Mataram:** A legislative proposal that amends the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, to introduce penal provisions for intentionally showing disrespect or obstructing the singing of the national song 'Vande Mataram'. - **Vande Mataram:** India's national song, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in Sanskrit, which played a pivotal role in the Indian freedom struggle and holds equal constitutional status in respect to the national anthem. - **Rajya Sabha:** The Upper House of the Indian Parliament, representing the states and union territories, plays a crucial role in revising legislation and reviewing national policy. **Introduction** The Rajya Sabha passed a controversial bill criminalising insults to the national song 'Vande Mataram' despite heavy opposition protests. The legislation introduces penal provisions for disrespecting the national song, triggering debates on the limits of statutory nationalism, freedom of speech, and parliamentary procedures. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - The Rajya Sabha passed a bill criminalising the insult to India's national song, 'Vande Mataram', amidst strong protests and opposition from opposition members. - The legislation introduces penal consequences for showing disrespect or insulting the national song, raising important questions about freedom of speech, nationalism, and legislative boundaries. - Opposition parties strongly protested the passage of the bill, pointing to procedural issues and concerns regarding democratic dissent and free expression. - The move highlights ongoing debates surrounding statutory enforcement of patriotism versus constitutional fundamental duties and civil liberties. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **Bill criminalising insult to Vande Mataram:** A legislative proposal that amends the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, to introduce penal provisions for intentionally showing disrespect or obstructing the singing of the national song 'Vande Mataram'. - **Vande Mataram:** India's national song, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in Sanskrit, which played a pivotal role in the Indian freedom struggle and holds equal constitutional status in respect to the national anthem. - **Rajya Sabha:** The Upper House of the Indian Parliament, representing the states and union territories, plays a crucial role in revising legislation and reviewing national policy.