- Rajya Sabha passes Vande Mataram Bill 2026.
- National song gets equal protection as anthem.
- Insulting Vande Mataram now punishable by law.
The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, paving the way for the national song, 'Vande Mataram', to receive the same statutory protection as the national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana'.
Under the proposed amendment, deliberately insulting Vande Mataram, intentionally preventing its rendition, or disrupting an assembly engaged in its singing will be a punishable offense, carrying up to three years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Who Does The Current Law Say?
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 currently provides statutory protection to the National Flag, the Constitution of India and the national anthem.
Under Section 3 of the Act, intentionally preventing the singing of the National Anthem or disrupting an assembly engaged in its rendition is a punishable offence. Violators face up to three years of imprisonment, a fine or both.
What Changes Under The 2026 Amendment?
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 seeks to extend the same statutory protections granted to the National Anthem to the National Song, Vande Mataram.
Under the proposed amendment:
- Deliberately insulting Vande Mataram, intentionally preventing its rendition, or disrupting an assembly engaged in its singing will be treated as punishable offences.
- Violations would attract the same panelty as insults to the National Anthem under the 1971 Act, with punishment up to three years of imprisonment, a fine or both.
What Happens Next?
While the Rajya Sabha has passed the Bill, it must complete the remaining legislative process to become law. This includes passage by the Lok Sabha (if pending) and receiving assent from the President of India.
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Why Was The Amendment Introduced?
Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, played a significant role in India's freedom struggle. Recognising its historic significance during the Constituent Assembly meeting on January 24, 1950, Assembly President Dr Rajendra Prasad said that the song "shall be honoured equally with Jana Gana Mana" and accorded equal status, even as Jana Gana Mana was adopted as the national anthem.
(With Inputs From Jagran.com)