Mahim Gupta
Early Times Report
Jammu, July 29: The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending statutory protection to the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ and making its intentional disruption, obstruction or disrespect a punishable offence carrying a jail term of up to three years.
The Bill was passed by a voice vote amid noisy protests by Opposition members during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
The House witnessed repeated disruptions over the Opposition’s demand for a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the police action against protesters demonstrating in Delhi over the alleged NEET paper leak. Proceedings were adjourned twice before Deputy Chairman Harivansh resumed the House and urged members to maintain order while taking up the legislation for discussion.
Opposition members continued sloganeering during the debate and later staged a walkout while Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale was speaking on the Bill.
Replying to the debate, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said the amendment seeks to provide ‘Vande Mataram’ the same legal protection currently available to the National Anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’, under the Prevention of Insults t “The legislation assumes significance as the country commemorates the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram.’The national song is a symbol of India’s freedom struggle and national unity. Many freedom fighters had raised the slogan “Vande Mataram” before laying down their lives for the country.”
Rai said the legislation assumes significance as the country commemorates the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’, describing the national song as a symbol of India’s freedom struggle and national unity. He said many freedom fighters had raised the slogan “Vande Mataram” before laying down their lives for the country.
Criticising the Congress, the Minister accused the party of opposing the legislation for political reasons and said the national song embodies the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.” The amendment expands the scope of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which previously provided statutory protection to the National Flag, the Constitution of India and the National Anthem, by extending similar legal safeguards to ‘Vande Mataram’.
Under the amended law, intentionally preventing the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’, disrupting its rendition or showing deliberate disrespect towards it will constitute a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.
The legislation also prescribes enhanced punishment for repeat offenders. A person convicted of a second or subsequent offence under the Act will face a minimum imprisonment of one year, in addition to any other penalty as provided under the law. | 