The Rajya Sabha has passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing legal protection for the national song Vande Mataram by making its intentional insult, obstruction or disruption a criminal offence. The legislation, which now awaits consideration in the Lok Sabha, prescribes imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both for violations.
If approved by the Lok Sabha and subsequently receiving the assent of the President of India, the amendment will become part of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act. The proposed law seeks to expand the scope of the existing legislation, which currently provides statutory protection to the National Flag, the Constitution of India and the National Anthem.
The Union Government has maintained that the amendment is intended to preserve the dignity and historical significance of Vande Mataram, describing it as a symbol that inspired countless freedom fighters during India’s struggle for independence. Officials argued that extending legal protection to the national song would reinforce respect for one of the country’s most cherished national symbols.
Under the proposed provisions, any deliberate act aimed at insulting, preventing or disrupting the singing or playing of Vande Mataram would constitute a punishable offence. The amendment also lays down a protocol for official events where both the National Anthem and the national song are performed. It specifies that the National Anthem should be rendered first, followed by Vande Mataram, with all attendees required to stand at attention during the performance.
The Bill follows recent measures by the Centre encouraging the inclusion of the national song at selected official functions, particularly those where the National Anthem is played. The government believes the amendment will help promote respect for national heritage while preserving the values associated with the country’s freedom movement.
However, the proposed legislation witnessed strong opposition during the Rajya Sabha debate. Several Opposition members expressed concern that introducing criminal penalties for actions related to the national song could have implications for the constitutional right to freedom of expression. They argued that expanding the law in its present form may raise legal and constitutional questions, urging a more detailed examination of its provisions.
With the Bill now set to be taken up by the Lok Sabha, its future will depend on parliamentary approval before it can become law.
