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Amid Opposition protest, Rajya Sabha passes Bill criminalising insult to Vande Mataram
['Nikhil Ghanekar', 'An Award-Winning Journalist With Years Of Experience', 'Nikhil Ghanekar Is An Assistant Editor With The National Bureau', 'Government', 'Of The Indian Express In New Delhi. He Primarily Covers Environmental Policy Matters Which Involve Tracking Key Decisions', 'Inner Workings Of The Ministry Of Environment', 'Forest', 'Climate Change. He Also Covers The Functioning Of The National Green Tribunal', 'Writes On The Impact Of Environmental Policies On Wildlife Conservation', 'Forestry Issues']
The Indian Express
The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed a Bill that criminalises intentional disruption or prevention of the singing of the national song, Vande Mataram, thereby according it legal sanctity at par with the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
The Bill was passed through a voice vote following a walkout by nearly all opposition members.
When the upper House proceedings resumed at 2pm, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh invited members to begin a discussion on the Bill.
However, opposition members protested and raised slogans, demanding Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement on the recent Delhi Police action against students and youngsters who were protesting against paper leaks at Jantar Mantar.
Story continues below this adManoj Kumar Jha of Rashtriya Janata Dal said, “I am witnessing for the first time that our national song and national anthem are being pitted against each other.