Parliament on Thursday passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, granting India’s national song Vande Mataram the same statutory legal protection that is currently available to the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana. The Bill was cleared by the Lok Sabha after having received approval from the Rajya Sabha a day earlier. It will now be sent to the President for assent before becoming law.
Equal Legal Protection for National Song
The amendment expands the scope of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, by including Vande Mataram under its provisions. Until now, the Act primarily protected the National Flag and the National Anthem from acts of insult or intentional disruption.
With the amendment, any deliberate act of preventing, disturbing, or insulting the rendition of Vande Mataram will attract legal penalties similar to those applicable in cases involving disrespect to the National Anthem. The government said the move reflects the historical importance of the national song and reinforces respect for national symbols.
Government Highlights Historical Importance
During the parliamentary debate, the government emphasized that Vande Mataram played a defining role during India’s freedom struggle and has long been regarded as a symbol of national unity and patriotism.
Ministers noted that although the song has traditionally enjoyed equal honour with the National Anthem, the law did not previously provide it with identical statutory protection. According to the government, the amendment addresses this gap and aligns the legal status of both national symbols.
The legislation also comes during the nationwide observance marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, originally written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and first published in his novel Anandamath.
What the Amendment Means
Under the amended law, intentionally obstructing, disrupting, or insulting the singing of Vande Mataram will become a punishable offence. The penalties are expected to be in line with those already prescribed under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act for similar offences involving the National Anthem.
The government has maintained that the legislation is aimed at preserving the dignity of the national song rather than restricting legitimate expression. It argues that the amendment promotes respect for symbols closely associated with India’s independence movement and constitutional values.
Opposition Raises Concerns During Debate
The Bill was passed amid political exchanges in both Houses of Parliament. While several parties supported preserving the dignity of national symbols, opposition members questioned the government’s legislative priorities and raised concerns over broader political issues during the proceedings.
In the Rajya Sabha, opposition parties staged a walkout after demanding a statement from the government on unrelated issues, including the reported use of pellet guns against protesters. Despite the protest, the Upper House approved the Bill, paving the way for its passage in the Lok Sabha.
Longstanding Demand Receives Legislative Backing
The amendment follows years of public and political discussions on granting Vande Mataram stronger legal recognition. While the national song has historically been accorded equal honour with the National Anthem since 1950, there was no explicit statutory provision penalising acts of disrespect towards it.
The newly passed legislation is intended to bridge that legal distinction by extending identical safeguards under the existing law governing national honour. Legal experts say the amendment creates uniform protection for India’s key national symbols without altering the constitutional status of either the National Anthem or the National Song.
Bill Awaits Presidential Assent
With both Houses of Parliament approving the legislation, the Bill will now be forwarded to the President of India for assent. Once notified, the amendment will officially come into force, making Vande Mataram legally protected under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
The government has described the measure as a significant step toward strengthening respect for India’s national identity and preserving the legacy of one of the country’s most iconic patriotic songs.
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