LS adjourned sine die after opening session with 'Vande Mataram'
What's the story
In a historic first, the Lok Sabha opened its final Monsoon Session sitting with the national song "Vande Mataram" on Thursday. The move comes just days after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to a new law protecting the national song and setting rules for its official renditions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi, and other members were present during this session.
Legal framework
New law gives legal protection to 'Vande Mataram'
The new legislation gives legal protection to "Vande Mataram," making it a punishable offense to intentionally disrupt or prevent its singing. This brings the national song on par with the National Anthem in terms of legal status.
The government had previously issued protocols for singing at official functions, including an order from the Union Home Ministry on January 28 this year.
Singing guidelines
Home Ministry order mandates 6 stanzas of 'Vande Mataram'
The Home Ministry order mandated that six stanzas of "Vande Mataram" be sung on occasions such as the arrival of the President, unfurling of the Tricolor flag, and addresses by governors.
After the national song was played in full, the Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die, drawing curtains on a stormy session that saw repeated protests by the opposition over the police action on agitating students, alleged temple donation theft, and the passage of several key bills without a debate.