Rajya Sabha Passes Bill Criminalising Insult To Vande Mataram, Giving It Same Legal Protection As National Anthem
The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to accord Vande Mataram the same statutory protection as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
The Bill amends the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, extending the Act's penal provisions to acts of intentional disrespect towards Vande Mataram.
At present, the 1971 Act criminalises intentional prevention of the singing of the national anthem or causing disturbances to assemblies engaged in singing it. The amendment places Vande Mataram on the same footing by bringing similar acts of insult or obstruction within the ambit of the law.
Offences under the Act are punishable with imprisonment for a term that may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.