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Parliament passes bill to criminalise insults to Vande Mataram

Published July 30, 2026 at 10:33 AM UTC

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India's Parliament has enacted the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which makes any obstruction or insult to the national song, Vande Mataram, a criminal offense. This bill grants Vande Mataram the same legal protections previously given to the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act of 1971. Violators may now face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both if they intentionally prevent the singing of Vande Mataram or create disturbances during its rendition. The bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on July 24, 2026, by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai during opposition protests calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy. The legislation aims to protect national symbols and uphold national honor.