The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1957
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1957
General19577 sections
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1957 makes it a criminal offence to willfully burn, desecrate, damage, destroy, or disrespect key symbols of Indian national identity. It specifically protects depictions and statues of Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian National Flag, and copies of the Constitution of India. Anyone who commits or attempts to commit these acts can face up to three years in prison, a fine, or both. Applying to the general public, this law matters because it legally enforces respect for the nation's foundational figures, sovereign symbols, and democratic charter, safeguarding public reverence for shared national heritage.
- 1. Short title
- 2. Burning, etc., of an effigy, picture or portrait of Mahatma Gandhi an offence
- 3. Destruction of the statue or bust of Mahatma Gandhi an offence
- 4. Burning, etc., of Indian National Flag an offence
- 5. Burning, etc., of the Constitution of India an act of offence
- 6. Attempts to commit offences
- 7. Savings
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