Rajya Sabha passes ‘Prevention of Insults to National Honor (Amendment) Bill, 2026’. This has cleared the way for giving legal protection to ‘Vande Mataram’ like the national anthem.
Vande Mataram Bill 2026 Explained: Rajya Sabha on Wednesday July 29 passed the ‘Prevention of Insults to National Honor (Amendment) Bill, 2026’. After the passing of this bill, the way has been cleared to give legal protection to ‘Vande Mataram’ like the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’. The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that intentionally insulting ‘Vande Mataram’, preventing it from being sung or obstructing its singing will attract the same legal action as is currently applicable in the case of the national anthem.
What did Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai say in Rajya Sabha?
During the discussion on the bill, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said that this amendment is not just a change in the law. He said the move reflects the government’s commitment to India’s national consciousness, cultural heritage, the ideals of the freedom struggle and the soul of the country. According to him, giving proper legal protection to ‘Vande Mataram’ is important from historical and cultural point of view.
What are the provisions in the existing law?
At present, three national symbols have legal protection under the ‘Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act, 1971’ –
- National Flag (Tricolor)
- constitution of india
- National Anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’
According to Section 3 of this Act, if any person intentionally obstructs the singing of the national anthem or prevents people from singing the national anthem, it is considered a punishable offence. In such cases, there is a provision for punishment of up to three years in jail, fine or both.
What changes have been made in the Amendment Bill?
The main objective of the proposed amendment is to extend the legal protection given to the national anthem to ‘Vande Mataram’ also. If this bill becomes law, the following acts will fall under the category of crime:
- Deliberately insulting ‘Vande Mataram’.
- Preventing any person or group from singing ‘Vande Mataram’.
- Deliberately causing disturbance during the singing of the national anthem.
In these cases also, the same punishment will be applicable, which is currently prescribed for such crimes related to the national anthem. That means jail up to three years, fine or both.
Has this bill now become law?
At present, the Rajya Sabha has passed this bill, but it will also have to go through other processes prescribed under the Constitution before it becomes law. These include the necessary parliamentary approval (if applicable) and presidential assent. This amendment will come into force as law only after all the constitutional processes are completed.
Why was this amendment brought?
‘Vande Mataram’ was composed by famous litterateur Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. During India’s independence movement, this song played an important role in awakening the feeling of patriotism and independence among the people. In the meeting of the Constituent Assembly on 24 January 1950, the then Speaker Dr. Rajendra Prasad had said that even though ‘Jana Gana Mana’ has been accepted as the national anthem, ‘Vande Mataram’ will also be given equal respect because of its historical contribution in the freedom movement.
Why was there no legal protection till now?
Despite being honored by the Constituent Assembly, ‘Vande Mataram’ did not get the same legal protection as the national anthem under the ‘Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act, 1971’. The government says that this amendment has been brought to end the same legal gap, so that both the national song and the national anthem can get equal legal protection.
What is the purpose of government?
According to the government, the purpose of this amendment is to provide the same legal protection to the national song ‘Vande Mataram’, which is currently enjoyed by the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’. This will ensure a similar legal system to protect the honor of both the national symbols.