Parliament passes Vande Mataram protection bill

Parliament has passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Amendment Bill, 2026, which gives legal protection to the national song “Vande Mataram.” This means Vande Mataram will now get protection similar to the national anthem “Jana Gana Mana” under the national honour law. The Bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha on July 29, 2026, and by the Lok Sabha on July 30, 2026. It will become law after the President gives assent.

At present, the law protects the National Flag, the Constitution, and the National Anthem from insult or disrespect. The new amendment adds the National Song also to this protection. If anyone intentionally stops the singing of Vande Mataram or creates disturbance when people are singing it, it can become a punishable offence.

The punishment can be imprisonment up to three years, a fine, or both. If the same person repeats the offence, the punishment can include a minimum jail term of one year. These rules are similar to the punishment already available for insulting or disturbing the singing of the National Anthem.

The government said this Bill was needed because Vande Mataram played an important role in India’s freedom struggle and should get the same respect as the National Anthem. The government also said the amendment gives proper legal recognition to the National Song.

Some Opposition parties opposed the Bill. DMK leaders said patriotism should not be forced through law and raised concerns about secularism and federalism. They also objected to the way the Bill was passed during noisy scenes in Parliament.