Rajya Sabha Passes Bill Criminalising Insult to Vande Mataram

The Rajya Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on 29 July 2026. The Bill amends the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, and extends legal protection to the national song, Vande Mataram, alongside the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.

Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971

The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, is a central law that deals with disrespect to the national flag, the Constitution, and the national anthem. The 2026 amendment adds protection for Vande Mataram and creates a separate offence for intentional disruption of its singing.

Legal Provisions for Vande Mataram

Under the amended law, any person who intentionally prevents the singing of Vande Mataram or disturbs an assembly engaged in its singing can face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both. The Bill also provides legal sanctity to Vande Mataram on par with Jana Gana Mana for official recognition under the statute.

Parliamentary Procedure and Passage

The Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, on 24 July 2026. It was passed by voice vote after a walkout by nearly all opposition members during the sitting.

Important Facts for Exams

• Vande Mataram was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and first appeared in the novel Anandamath in 1882.
• Jana Gana Mana was adopted as the national anthem of India on 24 January 1950.
• The national song Vande Mataram has a special place in Indian constitutional and cultural history, but it is not the national anthem.
• The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, is a key law for questions on symbols of the Indian Republic.

150th Anniversary Context

The amendment was introduced during the 150th-anniversary commemorations of Vande Mataram. The Bill also makes the playing of Vande Mataram mandatory in state assemblies for official events.