SC says state can set National Song, but cannot impose conscientious objectors to penal action
India’s Supreme Court ruled that while a state may designate a national song, it cannot compel individuals who object on conscience to face penalties. The bench asked the Union government to reply to a petition by Carnatic vocalist T.M. Krishna, who challenged the 2026 Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act. The case concerns freedom of expression and penal provisions.