The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, making any intentional obstruction or insult to the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ a punishable offence under law.
Replying to the discussion on the Bill, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said the amendment reflects the nation’s collective commitment to India’s cultural heritage, national consciousness and the ideals of the freedom struggle.
He noted that the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, was enacted to safeguard the dignity of the National Flag, the Constitution of India and the National Anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’, and that ‘Vande Mataram’ would now enjoy similar statutory protection.
The Bill, introduced in the Upper House on July 24, extends the existing provisions of the Act to the national song. Under the law, intentionally preventing the singing of the National Anthem or causing disturbances during its rendition is punishable with imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both. A second or subsequent conviction attracts a minimum imprisonment of one year.
These penal provisions will now apply to ‘Vande Mataram’ as well.
