Our Bureau
New Delhi
Parliament on Thursday passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, bringing the national song Vande Mataram under the ambit of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. The legislation, which was cleared by the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, now awaits the President’s assent before becoming law.
The amendment extends to Vande Mataram the same statutory protection currently enjoyed by the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana. It makes intentional obstruction of its rendition or deliberate acts of insult punishable with imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both. Repeat offenders may face stricter penalties under the amended provisions.
The Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha following a brief discussion amid opposition protests. The Rajya Sabha had witnessed a walkout by several Opposition parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress and DMK, over unrelated demands concerning the alleged use of pellet guns against NEET protestors. Despite the disruptions, the legislation secured approval in both Houses.
The government has maintained that the amendment is aimed at according the national song the same legal sanctity as other national symbols protected under the 1971 Act, including the National Flag, the Constitution of India and the National Anthem. The move follows the Union Cabinet’s approval of the proposal earlier this month.
Originally introduced in the Rajya Sabha by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the Monsoon Session, the Bill seeks to strengthen legal safeguards for Vande Mataram, first published by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875 and later included in his novel Anandamath. With Parliament’s approval now complete, the legislation will come into force after receiving presidential assent.