Rajya Sabha Approves Bill to Protect National Song Vande Mataram
Rajya Sabha Passes Amendment Bill
Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge, speaks in the House during the Monsoon session, on Wednesday. (Photo:PTI)
New Delhi, Jul 29: On Wednesday, the Rajya Sabha successfully passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, through a voice vote. This legislation aims to criminalize insults directed at the national song Vande Mataram.
The revised law stipulates that any act of desecration or intentional disrespect towards national symbols, which now includes Vande Mataram, the national flag, the Constitution, and the national anthem, will incur criminal penalties, potentially leading to imprisonment for up to three years.
This legislative action coincides with the government's year-long celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.
During the session, the Bill was passed amidst significant disruptions from Opposition members, who were demanding a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding police actions against protesters in the capital related to the alleged NEET paper leak.
After two adjournments, the House reconvened for the post-lunch session, with Deputy Chairman Harivansh urging members to maintain order. Despite ongoing protests, he continued with the scheduled discussions on the Bill.
Opposition members maintained their protests throughout the debate, eventually walking out while Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale was addressing the House.
In response to the discussions, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai defended the amendment, accusing the Congress party of undermining national honour through what he termed appeasement politics.
Rai stated, "The Congress is attempting to insult the national song Vande Mataram through appeasement politics." He emphasized the historical importance of the song, noting that many freedom fighters expressed its opening lines as their last words during India's struggle for independence.
He questioned the Congress' opposition to Vande Mataram, asserting that the youth and citizens of the country would respond accordingly.
Rai further remarked that the national song embodies the spirit of "Ek Bharat, Shreshta Bharat" and merits the same respect and legal safeguards as other national symbols.
This amendment broadens the scope of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, granting Vande Mataram the same legal protection as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana. The legislation was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on July 24.
While the ruling party supported the amendment as a necessary step to protect national honour, the passage of the Bill was marred by the Opposition's protests regarding the handling of demonstrations related to the alleged NEET paper leak.